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PERKINS  LIBRARY 

Duke   University 


Kare  tlooka 


LIBRARY 


BY 


W ,. .  J., .  Adr.ir.s., .  Jr 

in  memory  of  his  fathxer 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2010  with  funding  from 
Duke  University  Libraries 


http://www.archLve.org/details/catechismsofmethOOmeth 


CATECHISMS 


littjobist  OFpistupl  C|uwlj,  Sflutlj. 


EEVISED  BY  T.  0.  SUMMERS,  D.  D. 


INTRODUCTION  BY  BISHOP  PIERCE. 


'O  KttTTjxo'^/oievo?  Toi/  XoYov. — Galatians  vi.  6. 
A  good  life  is  begun  in  catechizing. — Clement. 
Let  us  persevere  in  catechizings.— Cyril. 
Catechizings  are  our  best  preachings.— Jeremy  Taylor. 
What  a  pity  that  all  our  preachers  have  not  the  zeal 
and  wisdom  to  catechize.— John  Wesley. 


SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 

1861. 


(^tiultuis. 


WESLEYAN  CATECHISM,  No.  I. 

AVESLEYAN  CATECHISM,  No.  II. 

WESLEYAN  CATECHISM,  No.  III. 

SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM,  No.  I. 

SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM,  No.  II. 

CATECHISM  FOR  THE  METHODIST  MISSIONS.    Part  I. 

CATECHISM  FOR  THE  METHODIST  MISSIONS.    Part  II. 

A  MANUAL  FOR  INFANT  SCHOOLS. 


Iiitrahtttion. 


The  Book  Editor  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  South,  deserves  the 
thanks  of  the  preachers  and  people,  the  parents  and  child- 
ren of  Southern  Methodism,  for  this  compilation  of  Cate- 
chisms. Such  a  book  has  been  greatly  needed,  and  is  destined, 
now  that  it  has  been  prepared,  to  do  great  service  in  the  reli- 
gious training  of  the  young.  Adapted  to  childhood  and  youth, 
it  will  aid  parents  in  the  instruction  of  their  children ;  and  to 
the  intelligent,  earnest  Sunday-school  teacher  will  prove  in- 
valuable in  meeting  the  intellectual  demands  of  his  advancing 
pupils,  from  the  infant  scholars  to  the  members  of  the  Bible- 
class.  I  sincerely  trust  it  will  be  universally  adopted  by 
our  people,  introduced  into  all  our  schools  and  families,  and 
made  a  text-book  in  the  course  of  study  for  preachers  on  trial 
in  our  Annual  Conferences.  If  the  children  of  our  Connec- 
tion are  well  taught  in  the  elementary  ideas  and  principles 
here  developed,  the  profiting  of  the  Church  will  be  patent  to 
all,  in  a  more  stable,  intelligent,  and  spiritual  membership. 
The  ministry  will  be  roused  to  self-improvement,  in  order  to 
meet  the  wants  of  congregations  already  well  taught  in  the 
doctrines,  morals,  and  institutions  of  Chi'istianity,  and  the 
piety  of  the  people  grow  more  active,  uniform,  and  reliable. 
The  true  idea  of  a  Church  will  become  at  last  a  living  incar- 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

nation — an  orthodox  ministry,  "full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy- 
Ghost;"  a  membership  well  instructed  and  ready  for  every 
good  work,  and  children  taught  of  God — trained  in  the  know- 
ledge and  love  of  spiritual  things,  made  examples  of  Scripture 
truth,  and  inheritors  of  Divine  promise. 

Let  the  preachers  turn  to  the  Discipline,  (page  116,)  and 
read  the  third  answer  to  the  question,  "What  shall  we  do  for 
the  rising  generation?"  and  they  will  find  the  use  of  the  very 
book  here  recommended  enjoined  upon  them  as  a  high  minis- 
terial duty.  With  all  our  zeal  and  enterprise  as  a  Church, 
and  notwithstanding  our  actual  achievements  in  the  broad 
world  of  action,  we  have  been  comparatively  delinquent  in 
our  attention  to  children.  Our  Discipline  abounds  with  in- 
structions and  appeals  in  behalf  of  this  great  interest,  and 
there  are  encouraging  signs  of  reformation  among  us.  The 
issue  of  this  book  of  Catechisms  meets  our  great  want,  and 
cuts  off  the  last  excuse  for  neglect.  Every  preacher,  every 
teacher,  every  parent,  is  here  supplied  with  arms  and  ammu- 
nition to  beat  back  the  powers  of  dai'kness,  and  to  occupy  the 
hearts  of  the  young  for  God  and  the  Church.  Heaven  help 
us  all  to  do  our  duty,  and  subdue  the  world  to  the  obedience 

of  faith. 

GEORGE  F.  PIERCE. 


CATECHISMS 


WESLEYAN  METHODISTS: 

COMPILED    AJfD    PUBLISHED    BY   ORDER   OF    THE 

BRITISH  CONFERENCE. 

ADAPTED  TO  THE  USE  OF  FAMILIES  AND  SCHOOLS 
CONNECTED  WITH 

THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  SOUTH. 


NO.    I. — FOR   CHILDREN   OP   TENDER   YEARS. 


WITH    AN   APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING   A    SHORT    CATECHISM    OF    SCRIPTURE    NAMES,    AND 
PRAYERS    FOR   LITTLE    CHILDREN. 


REVISED  BY  TUGS.  0.  SUMMERS,  D.D. 


SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 
1861. 


WESLEYAN   CATECHISM. 


No.  I. 

FOR   CHILDREN   OF   TENDER   YEARS. 

SECTION   I. 

OF   GOD. 

Question.  Who  made  you  ? 

Answer.  God. 

Q.  What  is  God  ? 

A.  An  infinite  and  eternal  Spirit,  one  that  always 
was,  and  always  will  be. 

Q.  Where  is  God  ? 

A.  Everywhere. 

Q.  What  can  God  do  ? 

A.  Whatever  he  will. 

Q.  Does  God  know  all  things  ? 

A.  He  knows  every  thought  in  man's  heart,  every 
word,  and  every  action. 

Q.  Will  he  call  us  to  account  for  all  we  think  and 
do? 

A.  He  will ;  for,  at  the  last  day,  every  work  shall 
be  brought  into  judgment,  and  every  secret  thing, 
whether  it  be  good  or  evil. 

Q.  Does  God  love  you  ? 

A.  He  loves  every  thing  which  he  has  made. 

(3) 


WESLEYAN  CATECHISM.  [NO.  I. 

Q.  What  has  Grod  made  ? 

A.  Every  thing,  and  in  particular  Man, 


SECTION  II. 

OF   THE   CREATION   OF   MAN. 

Q.  How  did  God  make  man  ? 

A.  He  made  his  body  out  of  the  dust  of  the  earth. 

Q.  Did  his  soul  come  from  the  dust  ? 

A.  It  did  not )  "  for  the  Lord  God — breathed  into  his 
nostrils  the  breath  of  life ;  and  man  became  a  living 
soul/'     Gen.  ii.  7. 

Q.  Why  did  God  make  man  ? 

A.  That  he  might  know  and  love  God,  and  be  happy 
with  him  for  ever. 

Q.  Where  did  God  put  the  first  man  and  woman  ? 

A.  In  the  garden  of  Paradise. 

Q.  In  whose  image  or  likeness  was  man  created  ? 

A.  In  the  image  of  God. 

Q.  In  what  respects  was  man  made  in  the  likeness 
of  God  ? 

A.  In  knowledge,  in  holiness,  in  happiness,  and  im- 
mortality. 


SECTION   III. 

OF   THE  FALL   OF   MAN. 

Q.  Did  our  first  parents  continue  happy  and  holy  ? 
A.  They  did  not :  they  sinned  against  God,  and  fell 
into  misery. 

Q.  What  is  sin  ? 

A.  Any  transgression  of  the  law  of  God. 


NO.  I.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  5 

Q.  What  law  did  God  give  to  our  first  parents  in 
Paradise  ? 

A.  He  commanded  them  not  to  eat  of  the  tree  of 
knowledge  of  good  and  evil. 

Q.  Did  they  keep  this  command  ? 

A.  No,  they  did  eat  of  it. 

Q.  What  evil  did  they  bring  upon  themselves  there- 
by? 

A,  They  were  driven  out  of  Paradise,  and  became 
subject  to  guilt,  and  pain,  and  death. 

Q.  Did  their  sin  hurt  any  beside  themselves  ? 

A.  Yes,  all  mankind. 

Q.   How  did  it  hurt  them  ? 

A.  All  mankind  are  born  in  sin,  so  that  their  hearts 
are  corrupt,  and  inclined  only  to  evil,  and  they  are  be- 
come subject  to  pain  and  death. 


SECTION   lY. 

OP   THE   REDEMPTION    OF    MAN. 

Q.  By  whom  are  we  to  be  saved  from  sin  ? 

A.  By  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of  God. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  Christ  do  to  save  us  ? 

A.  He  was  made  man,  suffered  death  in  our  stead, 
rose  again  from  the  dead,  and  ascended  into  heaven. 

Q.  What  may  we  gain  by  his  living  and  dying  for 
us? 

A.  Forgiveness  of  sin,  and  holiness,  and  heaven 

Q.  But  will  he  save  all  mankind  ? 

A.  He  will  not ;  only  those  who  repent,  and  believe 
in  him. 

Q.  What  is  it  to  repent  ? 

A.  To  be  sorry  for  ray  sins,  to  confess  and  forsake 
them,  and  to  seek  forgiveness  from  God. 


6  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  I. 

Q.  What  is  it  to  believe  in  Christ  ? 

A.  To  receive  his  words,  and  to  trust  only  in  the 
merits  of  his  death  for  salvation. 

Q.  Can  you  do  all  this  of  yourself  ? 

A.  I  cannot  do  it  of  myself;  but  God  will  help  me 
by  his  Holy  Spirit  if  I  ask  it  of  him. 

Q.  What  will  become  of  those  who  do  not  repent 
and  forsake  their  sins,  and  believe  in  Christ,  and  obey 
him  ? 

A.  When  they  die,  they  will  be  cast  into  hell. 


SECTION   V. 

OF   HEAVEN   AND    HELL. 

Q.  What  sort  of  a  place  is  hell  ? 

A.  A  place  of  torment. 

Q.  How  will  the  wicked  be  punished  ? 

A.  With  everlasting  destruction  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his  power. 

Q.  Where  will  believers  go  after  death  ? 

A.  To  heaven. 

Q.  What  sort  of  a  place  is  heaven  ? 

A.  A  place  of  light  and  glory. 

Q.  How  will  good  men  live  there  ? 

A.  In  joy  and  happiness  for  ever. 

Q.  Will  they  suiFer  nothing  there  ? 

A.  They  will  have  no  want,  nor  pain,  nor  sin. 

Q.  What  sort  of  bodies  will  they  have  ? 

A.  Such  as  can  never  die,  made  like  the  glorious 
body  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Q.  How  will  they  be  employed  ? 

A.  In  praising  and  serving  God,  and  in  acts  of  love 
toward  one  another. 


NO.  I.]  WESLEYAN  CATECHISM.  7 

SECTION  VI. 

or   OUR   DUTY   TO   GOD   AND   MAN. 

Q.  What  kind  of  person  must  you  become,  that  you 
may  go  to  heaven,  that  glorious  and  happy  place  ? 

A.  I  must  be  holy  in  heart  and  life. 

Q.  What  is  it  to  be  holy  in  heart  ? 

A.  To  be  saved  from  anger,  pride,  the  love  of  the 
world,  and  other  sins ;  and  to  love  God  with  all  my 
heart,  and  mind,  and  soul,  and  strength. 

Q.  What  is  it  to  be  holy  in  life  ? 

A.  To  do  my  duty  to  God  and  man  according  to 
God's  holy  word. 

Q.  What  is  your  duty  to  God  ? 

A.  My  duty  to  God  is  to  obey  his  laws,  to  honor 
him,  and  worship  him. 

Q.  What  is  your  duty  to  man  ? 

A.  My  duty  to  man  is  to  obey  my  parents,  to  rev- 
erence my  superiors,  to  speak  the  truth  always,  and  to 
be  just,  kind,  and  forgiving  to  all  men. 

Q.  How  can  you  do  this  ? 

A.  By  the  grace  of  God. 

Q.  What  is  this  grace  ? 

A.  The  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost  enabling  us  to  be- 
lieve, and  to  love  and  serve  God. 

Q.  How  are  we  to  seek  this  ? 

A.  In  a  constant  and  careful  use  of  the  means  of 
grace. 

Q.  Which  are  the  chief  means  of  grace  ? 

A.  Private  and  public  prayer,  searching  the  Scrip- 
tures, hearing  God's  word  preached,  the  Lord's  supper, 
and  fasting. 

Q.  How  long  is  every  Christian  to  use  the  means  of 
grace  ? 

A.  To  his  life's  end. 


8  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  I. 

SECTION  YII. 

THE   lord's   PRAYER;    CREED,   AND   TEN   COMMAND- 
MENTS. 

Q    Let  me  hear  you  repeat  the  Lord's  prayer. 

A.  Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name :  thy  kingdom  come  :  thy  will  be  done  on  earth, 
as  it  is  in  heaven  :  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread ; 
and  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  them  that 
trespass  against  us  \  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation, 
but  deliver  us  from  evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Q.  Rehearse  the  articles  of  your  belief. 

A.  I  believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker 
of  heaven  and  earth;  and  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only 
Son  our  Lord,  who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary ;  suffered  under  Pon- 
tius Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried ;  the  third 
day  he  rose  again  from  the  dead ;  he  ascended  into 
heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Fa- 
ther Almighty;  from  thence  he  shall  come  to  judge 
the  quick  and  the  dead ;  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost; 
the  holy  Catholic  Church,  the  communion  of  saints; 
the  forgiveness  of  sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the  body ; 
and  the  life  everlasting.     Amen. 

Q.  Repeat  the  ten  commandments. 

A.  I.  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

II.  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  im- 
age, or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven 
above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the 
water  under  the  earth :  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thy- 
self to  them,  nor  serve  them ;  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God 
am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers 
upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  genera- 
tion of  them  that  hate  me ;  and  showing  mercy  unto 
thousands  of  them  that  love  me  and  keep  my  com- 
mandments. 


NO.  I.]  WESLEYAN  CATECHISM.  9 

III.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy 
Grod  in  vain ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless 
that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

IV.  Remember  the  Sabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy. 
Six  days  shalt  thou  labor  and  do  all  thy  work ;  but  the 
seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  Grod  :  in 
it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor 
thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-ser- 
vant, nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within 
thy  gates ;  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the 
seventh  day ;  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath- 
day,  and  hallowed  it. 

V.  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother  ;  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee. 

VI.  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

VII.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery 

VIII.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX.  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy 
neighbor. 

X.  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house,  thou 
shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  man-ser- 
vant, nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor 
any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbor's. 


10  WESLEYAN  CATECHISM.  [NO. 


APPENDIX  TO  No.  I. 

A   SHORT   CATECHISM   OP   SCRIPTURE   NAMES,   FOR 
CHILDREN   OP   THE   SAME   AGE. 

Q.  Who  was  Adam  ? 

A.  The  first  man  that  Grod  made,  and  the  father  of 
us  all. 

Q.  Who  was  Eve  ? 

A.  The  first  woman,  and  mother  of  us  all. 

Q.  Who  was  Cain  ? 

A.  Adam's  eldest  son,  who  killed  his  brother  Abel. 

Q.  What  was  Abel  ? 

A.  A  better  man  than  Cain;  and  therefore  Cain 
hated  him. 

Q.  Who  was  Enoch  ? 

A.  A  man  who  pleased  God,  and  who  was  taken  up 
to  heaven  without  dying. 

Q.  Who  was  Noah  ? 

A.  That  good  man  who  was  saved  when  the  world 
was  drowned. 

Q.  Who  was  Abraham  ? 

A.  The  pattern  of  believers,  and  the  friend  of  God. 

Q.  Who  was  Isaac  ? 

A.  Abraham's  son,  according  to  God's  promise. 

Q.  Who  was  Jacob  ? 

A.  Isaac's  younger  son. 

Q.  Who  was  Joseph  ? 

A.  Jacob's  beloved  son ;  but  his  brethren  hated  him, 
and  sold  him  for  a  slave. 


NO.  I.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  11 

Q.  Who  were  the  twelve  patriarchs  ? 

A.  The  twelve  sons  of  Jacob,  and  the  fathers  of  the 
people  of  Israel. 

Q.  AVho  was  Pharaoh  ? 

A.  The  King  of  Egypt,  who  was  drowned  in  the 
Ked  Sea,  with  his  army. 

Q.  Who  was  Moses  ? 

A.  The  deliverer  and  lawgiver  of  the  people  of  Is- 
rael, who  led  them  through  the  wilderness. 

Q.  Who  was  Aaron  ? 

A.  Moses's  brother,  and  the  first  High-Priest  of  Is- 
rael. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Priests  ? 

A.  They  who  ofi'ered  sacrifices  to  God,  and  taught 
his  laws  to  men. 

Q.  Who  was  Joshua? 

A.  The  leader  of  Israel  when  Moses  was  dead,  who 
brought  them  into  the  Promised  Land. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Prophets  ? 

A.  Persons  whom  God  t.iught  to  foretell  things  to 
come,  and  to  make  known  his  mind  to  the  world. 

Q.  Who  was  David  ? 

A.  The  man  after  God's  own  heart,  who  was  raised 
from  a  shepherd  to  be  King  of  Israel. 

Q.  Who  was  Absalom  ? 

A.  David's  wicked  son,  who  rebelled  against  his  fa- 
ther, and  he  was  killed  as  he  hung  on  a  tree. 

Q.  Who  was  Solomon  ? 

A.  David's  beloved  son,  a  king  of  Israel,  and  the 
wisest  of  men. 

Q.  Who  was  Elijah  ? 

A.  The  prophet  who  was  carried  to  heaven  in  a  cha- 
riot of  fire. 

Q.  Who  was  Daniel  ? 

A.  The  prophet  who  was  cast  into  a  den  of  lions,  be- 
cause he  prayed  to  the  true  God,  and  was  preserved 
unhurt. 


12  WESLEYAN  CATECHISM.  [nO.  I. 

Q.  Wlio  were  Shadracli,  Meshach,  and  Abednego  ? 

A.  The  three  Jews  who  would  not  worship  an  im- 
age ;  for  which  cause  they  were  cast  into  a  fiery  fur- 
nace, but  yet  were  not  burned. 

Q.  Who  was  Jesus  Christ  ? 

A.  The  Son  of  God,  and  the  Saviour  of  men. 

Q.  Who  was  the  Virgin  Mary  ? 

A.  The  mother  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Q.  Who  was  Joseph  the  Carpenter? 

A.  The  supposed  father  of  Christ,  because  he  mar- 
ried his  mother. 

Q    Who  were  the  Jews? 

A  The  family  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  whom 
Grod  chose  for  his  own  people. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Gentiles? 

A.  All  the  nations  besides  the  Jews. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Caesars  ? 

A.  The  Emperors  of  Rome,  and  rulers  of  a  great 
part  of  the  world. 

Q.  Who  was  Herod  the  Great  ? 

A.  The  King  of  Judea,  who  killed  all  the  children 
in  Bethlehem,  hoping  to  kill  Christ. 

Q.  Who  was  John  the  Baptist  ? 

A.  The  prophet  who  told  the  Jews  that  Christ  was 
to  come. 

Q.  Who  was  the  other  Herod  ? 

A.  The  King  of  Galilee,  who  cut  off  John  the  Bap- 
tist's head. 

Q.  Who  were  the  disciples  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Those  who  learned  of  him  as  their  Master. 

Q.  Who  was  Lazarus  ? 

A.  A  friend  of  Christ,  whom  he  raised  to  life  when 
he  had  been  dead  four  days. 

Q.  Who  was  Martha  ? 

A.  Lazarus's  sister,  who  was  cumbered  too  much  in 
making  a  feast  for  Christ. 

Q.  Whi)  was  Mary  the  sister  of  Martha? 


NO.  I.j  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  13 

A.  The  woman  that  chose  the  better  part,  and  heard 
Jesus  preach. 

Q.  Who  were  the  apostles  ? 

A.  Those  twelve  disciples  whom  Christ  chose  for  the 
chief  ministers  of  his  gospel. 

Q.  Who  was  Simon  Peter  ? 

A.  The  apostle  who  denied  Christ,  but  soon  after- 
wards wept  bitterly  for  his  sin,  and  was  pardoned. 

Q.   Who  was  John  ? 

A.  The  beloved  apostle  who  leaned  on  the  bosom  of 
Christ. 

Q.  Who  was  Judas  ? 

A.  The  wicked  disciple  who  betrayed  Christ  with  a 
kiss. 

Q.  Who  was  Caiaphas  ? 

A.  The  hig;h-priest  who  condemned  Christ. 

Q.  Who  was  Pontius  Pilate  ? 

A.  The  Governor  of  Judea,  who  ordered  Christ  to 
be  crucified. 

Q.  Who  was  Joseph  of  Arimathea  ? 

A.  A  rich  man  who  buried  Christ  in  his  own  tomb. 

Q.  Who  were  the  four  evangelists  ? 

A.  Matthew,  Mark,  Luke,  and  John,  who  wrote  the 
history  of  Christ's  life  and  death. 

Q.  Who  were  Ananias  and  Sapphira? 

A.  A  man  and  his  wife  who  were  struck  dead  for 
telling  a  lie. 

Q.  Who  was  Stephen  ? 

A.  The  first  man  who  was  put  to  death  for  Christ's 
sake. 

Q.  Who  was  Paul  ? 

A.  A  young  man  who  was  first  a  persecutor,  but 
afterwards  an  apostle  of  Christ. 

Q.  Who  was  Dorcas  ? 

A.  A  good  woman  who  made  clothes  for  the  poor, 
and  who  was  raised  from  death. 

Q.  Who  was  Elymas  ? 


14  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [NO.  T. 

A.  A  wicked  man  who  was  struck  blind  for  speak- 
ing against  the  gospel. 

Q.   Who  was  Eutychus  ? 

A.  A  youth  who  slept  at  sermon^  and,  falling  down, 
was  taken  up  dead. 

Q.  Who  was  Timothy  ? 

A  A  young  minister,  who  knew  the  Scriptures  from 
a  child. 

Q.  Who  was  Agrippa  ? 

A.  A  king  who  was  almost  persuaded  to  be  a  Chris- 
tian. 


PRAYERS  FOR  LITTLE  CHILDREN. 

Note. — As  soon  as  the  diiklren  begin  to  learn  these  Catechisms, 
they  should  also  learn  the  following  prayers,  concluding  each 
with  the  Lord's  Prayer. 

THE   infant's   or  YOUNG  CHILD's  MORNING  PRAYER. 

Almighty  God,  the  Maker  of  every  thing  in  hea- 
ven and  earth :  the  darkness  goes  away,  and  the  day- 
light comes,  at  thy  command  :  thou  art  good,  and  thou 
doest  good  continually. 

I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  taken  care  of  me  dur- 
ing the  night,  and  that  I  am  alive  and  well  this  morn- 
ing. 

Save  me,  0  God,  from  evil  all  this  day  long ;  and 
may  I  love  and  serve  thee  for  ever,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son.     Amen. 

Note.  The  word  Amen  signifies  that  I  heh'eve  all  that  I  speak, 
and  tnat  I  desire  from  my  heart  all  that  I  pray  for  with  my  lips. 

Note.  When  the  child  is  five  or  six  years  old,  he  may  enlarge 
this  Morning  Prayer,  by  adding  the  following  : 

Bestow  on  me  every  good  thing  which  I  need  for  my 
body  and  soul :  assist  me  by  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  do  thy 


KO.  I.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  15 

will :  make  me  always  afraid  to  offend  thee,  and  let  me 
live  and  die  in  thy  favor. 

Hear  the  prayer  of  a  child,  0  Lord,  and  pardon  all 
my  sins,  because  thy  beloved  Son  died  once  on  earth 
for  sinful  creatures,  though  he  never  sinned  himself, 
and  now  he  lives  in  heaven  to  pray  for  them  and  save 
them :  may  his  name  be  praised  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 


THE   INFANT  S  OR  YOUNG  CHILD'S   EVENING   PRAYER. 

0  Lord  God,  who  knowest  all  things,  thou  seest  me 
by  night  as  well  as  by  day. 

1  pray  thee,  for  Christ's  sake,  forgive  me  whatsoever 
I  have  done  amiss  this^ay,  and  keep  me  safe  all  the 
night  while  I  am  asleep. 

I  desire  to  lie  down  under  thy  care,  and  to  abide  for 
ever  under  thy  blessing ;  for  thou  art  the  God  of  all 
power  and  of  everlasting  mercy.  Grant  this  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Note.  When  the  child  is  five  or  six  years  old,  he  may  enlarge 
this  Evening  Prayer  by  adding  the  two  following  paragraphs  : 

Bless  all  my  friends*  as  well  as  myself;  do  good  to 
them  at  all  times  and  in  all  places,  and  help  me  always 
to  serve  them  in  love. 

And  when  I  have  done  thy  will  here,  by  thy  grace 
assisting  me,  and  enjoyed  thy  blessings  on  earth,  then 
give  my  soul  a  place  in  heaven,  that  I  may  there  dwell 
with  thee,  and  with  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ ;  for  heaven 
and  earth,  and  all  things  in  them,  are  thine  for  ever 
and  ever.  Hear  me,  0  Lord,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  thy  Son.     Amen. 


*  Here  the  child  may  mention  father  and  mother,  and  other  re- 
lations. 


16  WESLEYAN  CATECHISM.        [nO.  I. 

THE  YOUNG  CHILD'S  PRAYER,  FOR  THE  LORD's  DAY, 
TO  BE  ADDED  TO  THE  MORNING  PRAYER. 

Suffer  me  not,  0  Lord,  to  waste  this  tliy  day  in  sin 
and  folly ;  but  let  me  worship  thee  with  much  delight. 
Teach  me  to  know  more  of  thee,  and  to  serve  thee  bet- 
ter than  ever  I  have  done  before,  that  I  may  be  made 
fit  to  dwell  in  heaven,  where  thy  worship  and  service 
will  be  everlasting,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


THE   YOUNG   CHILD'S  PRAYER,  FOR   THE   LORD  S   DAY, 
TO   BE   ADDED    TO    THE    EVENING    PRAYER. 

0  MOST  gracious  Grod,  let  me  never  forget  the  many 
good  things  that  I  have  heard  this  day ;  but  let  them 
abide  in  my  heart  so  as  to  amend  my  life,  that  I  may 
be  able  to  give  a  good  account  of  them  to  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord  and  Saviour,  when  he  comes  to  judge  the 
world  at  the  last  day,  for  whose  sake  I  ask  all  blessings, 
and  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


CATECHISMS 


WESLEYAN  METHODISTS: 

COMPILED  AND  PUBLISHED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE 

BRITISH  CONFERENCE. 

ADAPTED    TO   THE    USE    OF   FAMILIES    AND    SCHOOLS 
CONNECTED   WITH 

THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  SOUTH, 


NO.  II. — FOR  CHILDREN    OF    SEVEN   YEARS    OF 
AGE   AND   UPWARD. 


WITH    AN   APPENDIX, 

CONTAININQ   A    SHORT    CATECHISM    OF    SCRIPTURE   NAMES,    AND 
PRAYERS    FOR   LITTLE   CHILDREN. 


REVISED  BY  THOS.  0.  SUMMERS,  D.D. 


SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 
1861. 


WESLEYAN   CATECHISM 


No.  II. 

FOR   CHILDREN    OF    SEVEN   YEARS   OP   AGE   AND 
UPWARD. 

N.  B. — In  this  catechism  the  principles  of  the  First  Catechism 
are  enlarged ;  and  Scripture  proofs  are  placed  under  the  answer, 
where  they  can  receive  appropriate  illustrations  from  the  word 
of  God. 


SECTION   I. 

OF   GOD. 

Question.  What  is  God  ? 

Answer.  An  infinite  and  eternal  Spirit. 

John  iv.  24.     God  is  a  Spirit ;  and  they  that  worship  him  must 
worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  an  infinite  Spirit  ? 

A.  One  whose  knowledge,  power,  goodness,  justice, 
and  other  attributes,  are  not  limited  by  any  imperfec- 
tion or  defect. 

Psalm  cxlvii.  5.    Great  is  cur  Lord,  and  of  great  power:  ^ia 
understanding  is  infinite. 

Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  an  eternal  Spirit  ? 

A.  One  who  is  without  beginning  and  without  end. 

Psalm  xc.  2.    From  everlasting  to  everlasting  thou  art  God. 

Q.  Where  is  God  ? 
A.  Everywhere. 

(3) 


4  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

Jeremiali  xxiii.  24.  Can  any  liide  himself  in  secret  places  that 
I  shall  not  see  him  ?  saith  the  Lord.  Do  not  I  fill  heaven  and  earth  ? 
saith  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  can  God  do  ? 
A.  Wliatever  he  will. 

Job  xlii.  2.  I  know  that  thou  canst  do  every  thing,  and  that 
no  thought  can  be  withholden  from  thee. 

Matt.  xix.  2(5.  Jesus  said  unto  them,  With  men  this  is  impos- 
sible ;  but  with  God  all  things  are  possible. 

Q.  Does  God  know  all  things  ? 
A.  Yes,  every  thought  in  man's  heart,  every  word, 
and  every  action. 

Q.  Where  is  this  said  in  the  Scriptures  ? 

A.  In  Psalm  cxxxix.  2-4.  Thou  knowest  my  downsitting  and 
mine  uprising  ;  thou  understandest  my  thought  afar  off.  Thou 
compassest  my  path  and  my  lying  down,  and  art  acquainted  with 
all  my  ways.  For  there  is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue,  but,  lo,  O 
Lord,  thou  knowest  it  altogether. 

Q.  What  more  do  the  Scriptures  teach  you  con- 
cerning God  ? 

A.  That  he  is  holy  and  righteous,  faithful  and 
true,  gracious  and  merciful. 

Q.  How  does  it  appear  from  Scripture  that  he  is 
holy  and  righteous  ? 

A.  Exod.  XV.  11.  Glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in  praises,  doing 
wonders. 

Psalm  cxlv.  17.  The  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  holy 
in  all  his  works. 

Q.  How  does  it  appear  from  the  Scriptures  that 
God  is  faithful  and  true  ? 

A.  Num.  xxiii.  19.  Godisnot  a  man,  that  he  should  lie;  neither 
the  son  of  man,  that  he  should  repent. 

Deut.  xxxii.  4.  A  God  of  truth,  and  without  iniquity;  just  and 
right  is  he. 

Q.  Where  do  we  learn  that  he  is  gracious  and  mer- 
ciful ? 

A.  Exod.  xxxiv.  6,  7.  The  Lord,  the  Lord  God,  merciful  and 
gracious,  longsuflfering,  and  abundant  in  goodness  and  truth. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEY  AN   CATECHISM.  5 

Psalm  cxlv.  9.  The  Lord  is  good  to  all ;  and  liis  tender  mercies 
are  over  all  his  works. 

Q.  Are  there  more  Gods  than  one  ? 

A.  There  is  but  one  only,  the  living  and  true  God. 

Deut.  vi,  4.    Hear,  0  Israel,  The  Lord  our  God  is  one  Lord. 
Jer.  X.  10.    The  Lord  is  the  trae  God,  he  is  the  living  God,  and 
an  everlasting  King. 

Q.  How  many  persons  are  there  in  the  Godhead  ? 

A.  There  are  three  persons  in  the  Godhead,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost;  and  these  three 
are  one  God,  the  same  in  substance,  equal  in  power  and 
glory. 

Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap- 
tizing them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

Q.  In  what  manner,  then,  ought  you  to  think  of 
God? 

A.  With  fear  and  love. 

Jer.  X.  7.  Who  would  not  fear  thee,  0  King  of  nations?  for  to 
thee  doth  it  appertain;  forasmuch  as  among  all  the  wise  men 
of  the  nations,  and  in  all  their  kingdoms,  there  is  none  like  unto 
thee. 

Matt.  xxii.  37.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 

Q.   How  ought  you  to  speak  of  God  ? 
A.  With  reverence  and  praise. 

Exod.  XX.  7.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy 
God  in  vain  ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh 
his  name  in  vain. 

Psalm  Ixxxix.  7.  God  is  greatly  to  be  feared  in  the  assembly 
of  the  saints,  and  to  be  had  in  reverence  of  all  them  that  arc 
about  him. 


SECTION  II. 

OP   THE   CREATION   OF    MAN. 

Q.  Do  you  know  what  you  are  ? 
A.  I  am  a  creature  of  God,  for  he  made  me,  both 
body  and  soul. 


6  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

Isaiah  xlv.  11,  12.  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  I  have  made  the  earth, 
and  created  man  upon  it. 

Job  X.  11.  Thou  hast  clothed  me  with  skin  and  flesh,  and  hast 
fenced  me  with  bones  and  sinews. 

Zech.  xii.  I.    The  Lord— formeth  the  spirit  of  man  within  him. 

Q.  What  is  your  body  ? 

A.  This  outward  frame. 

Q.  AVhat  is  your  soul  ? 

A.  That  within  me  which  thinks  and  knows,  wishes 
and  desires,  rejoices  and  is  sorry;  which  my  body  can- 
not do. 

Job  xxxii.  8.  There  is  a  spirit  in  man;  and  the  inspiration  of 
the  Almighty  givetli  them  understanding. 

Job  XXXV.  11.  God, — who  teacheth  us  more  than  the  beasts  of 
the  earth,  and  maketh  us  wiser  than  the  fowls  of  heaven. 

Q.  Wherein  doth  your  soul  further  differ  from  your 
body? 

A.  My  body  is  made  of  flesh  and  blood,  and  will 
die;  but  my  soul  is  a  spirit,  and  will  live  after  my 
body  is  dead. 

Luke  xxiv.  39.    A  spirit  hath  not  flesh  and  bones. 

Eccles.  xii,  7.  Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was ; 
and  the  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it. 

Matt.  X.  28.  Fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but  are  not 
able  to  kill  the  soul. 

Q.  Is  not  your  soul,  then,  of  great  value  ? 

A.  It  is ;  more  valuable  than  the  whole  world. 

Mark  viii.  3G.  What  shall  it  profit  a  man  if  he  shall  gain  the 
whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul? 

Q.  Did  God  create  any  thing  besides  man  ? 
A.  He  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  all 
things  which  are  therein. 

Gen.  i.  1.  In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and  the 
earth. 

Heb.  xi.  3.  Through  faith  we  understand  that  the  worlds  were 
framed  by  the  word  of  God. 

Q.  Why  did  God  create  all  things  ? 
A.  For  the  manifestation  of  his  glory,  and  to  give 
happiness  to  his  creatures. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  7 

Ps.  xix.  1.    The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God ;  and  the  firma- 
ment showeth  his  handy  work. 
Ps.  xxxiii.  5.    The  earth  is  full  of  the  goodness  of  the  Lord. 

Q.  Does  God  preserve  all  things  wliicli  lie  Lath 
made? 

A.    He  upholdeth  "  all  things  by  the  word  of  his 
power.''     Heb.  i.  3. 
Acts  xvii.  28.    In  him  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  om-  being. 

Q.  Do  all  good  things  which  we  enjoy  come  from 
him? 

A.  "  He  satisfieth  the  desire  of  every  living  thing." 
Ps.  cxlv.  15,  16. 

Q.  What  is  God's  providence  ? 

A.  His  most  holy,  wise,  and  powerful  preservation 
and  government  of  all  his  creatures  and  all  their  ac- 
tions. 

Ps.  ciii.  19.    His  kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 
Matt.  X.  30.    The  very  hairs  of  your  head  are  all  numbered. 
1  Tim.  vi.  15.     King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords. 
Ps.  Ixxvi.  10.    Surely  the  wrath  of  man  shall  praise  thee :  the 
remainder  of  wrath  shalt  thou  resti-ain. 


SECTION  III. 

OF     THE     FALL     OF     MAN. 

Q.  You  have  learned  that  man  was  made  to  know, 
love,  and  serve  God  :  have  all  men  done  so  ? 

A.  They  have  not:  ^'All  have  sinned,  and  come 
short  of  the  glory  of  God."     Rom.  iii.  23. 

Q.  Did  our  first  parents  continue  in  the  state  in 
which  God  created  them  ? 

A.  They  fell  from  that  state  by  sinning  against 
God. 

Q,  What  is  sin  ? 

A.  Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  to,  or  transgres- 
sion of,  the  law  of  God. 


8  WESLEY  AN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II, 

1  John  iii.  4.  Wliosoever  committeth  sin  transgresseth  also  the 
law ;  for  sin  is  the  transgression  of  the  law. 

Q.  What  was  the  sin  by  which  our  first  parents 
fell  from  that  holy  and  happy  state  in  which  they  were 
created  ? 

A.  Their  eating  of  the  forbidden  fruit. 

Gen.  ii.  16,  17.  The  Lord  God  commanded  the  man,  saying,  Of 
every  tree  of  the  garden  thou  mayest  freely  eat;  but  of  the  .tree 
of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it;  fGv  in 
the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die. 

Gen.  iii.  6,  7.  When  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was  good  for 
food,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired 
to  make  one  wise,  she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat,  and 
gave  also  unto  her  husband  witli  her,  and  he  did  eat. 

Q.  Why  were  they  commanded  not  to  eat  of  this 
fruit  ? 

A.  To  try  them,  whether  they  would  obey  God  or 
not. 

Q.  Wherein  did  the  evil  of  eating  the  forbidden 
fruit  consist  ? 

A.  In  their  unbelief,  and  disobedience  to  God;  to 
whom,  as  their  Creator,  Benefactor,  and  Governor, 
they  ought  to  have  implicitly  submitted  themselves. 

Q.  Into  what  state  did  the  fall  bring  mankind  ? 

A.  The  fall  brought  mankind  into  a  state  of  sin  and 
misery. 

Rom.  V.  12.  By  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world,  and  death 
by  sin ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have  sinned. 

Q.  Wherein  consists  the  sinfulness  of  that  state  into 
which  man  fell  ? 

A.  It  consists  in  the  want  of  original  righteousness, 
and  the  corruption  of  his  whole  nature,  which  is  com- 
monly called  original  sin,  together  with  all  actual  trans- 
gressions which  proceed  from  it. 

Rom.  V.  19.  By  one  man's  disobedience  many  were  made 
sinners. 

Rom.  iii.  10.     There  is  none  rigliteous,  no,  not  one. 

Ps.  li.  5.  Behold,  I  was  shapen  in  iniquity,  and  in  sin  did  my 
mother  conceive  me. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  9 

Q.  In  what  consists  the  misery  of  that  state  into 
which  man  fell? 

A.  All  mankind  being  born  in  sin,  and  following  the 
devices  and  desires  of  their  own  corrupt  hearts,  are 
under  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God,  and  so  are  made 
liable  to  the  miseries  of  this  life,  to  death  itself,  and  to 
the  pains  of  hell  hereafter. 

Eph.  ii.  3.  And  were  by  nature  the  children  of  wrath,  even  as 
others. 

Gal.  iii.  10.  Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things 
which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 

Rom.  vi.  23.     The  wages  of  sin  is  death. 

Q.  By  what  means  were  our  first  parents  led  to  com- 
mit so  great  a  sin  against  God  ? 

A.  By  the  subtlety  of  the  devil,  who  as  a  serpent 
beguiled  Eve. 

Gen.  iii.  13.'  And  the  woman  said,  The  serpent  beguiled  me, 
and  I  did  eat. 

Q.  Who  is  the  devil  ? 

A.  The  chief  of  the  fallen  angels,  who,  before  the 
creation  of  man,  sinned  against  God,  and  were  cast  out 
of  heaven. 

Jude  6.  The  angels  which  kept  not  their  first  estate,  but  left 
their  own  habitation,  he  hath  reserved  in  everlasting  chains  under 
darkness,  unto  the  judgment  of  the  great  day. 

Q.  What  is  the  present  state  of  those  fallen 
angels  ? 

A.  They  are  reserved  to  the  judgment  of  the  great 
day. 

Q.  What  is  their  employment  ? 

A.  Their  employment  is  to  tempt  men  to  sin,  and  to 
lead  them  to  their  own  place  of  misery. 

1  Peter  v.  8.  Be  sober,  be  vigilant;  because  your  adversary 
the  devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walketh  about,  seeking  whom  he  may 
devour. 

Q.  Can  they  do  what  they  please  ? 

A.  They  cannot:    God   controls  their  power,  and 


10  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

will  save  from  their  malice  and  subtlety  all  tliose  wlio 
put  their  trust  in  him. 

James  iv.  7.    Resist  the  devil,  and  he  will  flee  from  you. 

Luke  xxii.  31,  32.  Satan  hath  desired  to  have  you,  that  he  may 
sift  you  as  wheat ;  but  1  have  i)rayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith  faU 
not. 

Rom.  xvi  20.  The  God  of  peace  shall  bruise  Satan  under  your 
feet. 

Q.  Are  all  wicked  people,  then,  under  the  power  of 
Satan  ? 

A.  They  are;  for  '^he  leads  them  captive  at  his 
will/'     2  Tim.  ii.  26. 

Q.  How  does  Satan  tempt  men  to  sin  ? 

A.  By  putting  evil  thoughts  and  desires  into  their 
minds,  to  which  they  willingly  yield. 

You  see,  then,  the  sad  condition  into  which  all  men 
are  brought  by  sin.  They  are  under  the  power  of 
Satan,  the  slaves  of  sin,  and  exposed  to  misery  here 
and  hereafter.  Now  learn  more  fully  by  what  means 
you  are  to  be  delivered  fi'om  this  sinful  and  miserable 
state. 


SECTION  lY. 

OF   THE   REDEMPTION   OF   THE   WORLD   BY   OUR    LORD 
JESUS   CHRIST. 

Q.  What  is  redemption  ? 

A.  The  deliverance  of  man  from  the  guilt,  power, 
pollution,  and  punishment  of  sin,  and  his  restoration 
to  the  favor  and  image  of  God. 

Q.  Who  is  the  Redeemer  of  man  ? 

A.  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Matt.  i.  21.  Thou  shalt  call  his  name  Jesus ;  for  he  shall  save 
his  people  from  their  sins. 

Col.  i.  14.  We  have  redemption  through  his  blood,  even  the 
forgiveness  of  sins. 

1  Thess.  i.  10.  Jesus,  which  delivered  us  from  the  wrath  to 
come. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  11 

Q.  Who  is  Jesus  Christ  ? 

A.  The  Son  of  God,  and  the  second  person  in  the 
glorious  Trinity,  who  became  man,  and  so  was,  and 
continues  to  be,  Grod  and  man,  in  two  distinct  natures, 
and  one  person,  for  ever. 

1  Tim.  ii.  5.  There  is  one  God,  and  one  Mediator  between  God 
and  man,  the  man  Christ  Jesus. 

John  i.  1.  In  the  begiuninj?  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was 
with  God,  and  the  Word  was  God. 

John  i.  14.  The  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us,  and 
we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  ouly-begotten  of  the  Father, 
full  of  grace  and  truth. 

Q.  How  did  Christ,  being  the  Son  of  God,  become 
man  ? 

A.  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  became  man  by  taking 
to  himself  a  true  body  and  a  reasonable  soul,  being 
conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the 
womb  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  and  was  born  of  her,  yet 
without  sin. 

Heb.  11.  14.  Forasmuch  then  as  the  children  are  partakers  of 
flesh  and  blood,  he  also  himself  likewise  took  part  of  the  same. 

Luke  i.  35.  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power 
of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow  thee. 

Q.  Why  did  the  Son  of  God  become  man  ? 

A.  That  he  might  be  an  example  of  perfect  holiness, 
teach  us  his  heavenly  doctrine,  and  sujffer  and  die  in 
our  room  and  stead. 

1  John  ii.  6.  He  that  salth  he  abldeth  in  him  ought  himself  so 
to  walk,  even  as  he  walked. 

1  Pet.  ii.  21.  Christ  also  suffered  for  us,  leaving  us  an  example 
that  ye  should  follow  his  steps. 

John  XV.  15.  All  things  that  I  have  heard  of  my  Father  I  have 
made  known  unto  you. 

Heb.  ix.  28.    Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of  many. 

1  Pet.  iii.  18.  Christ  also  hath  once  suffered  for  sins,  the  just  for 
the  unjust,  that  he  might  bring  us  to  God. 

Q.  Wherein  did  Christ's  humiliation  consist  ? 

A.  Christ's  humiliation  consisted  in  his  being  born 
of  a  woman ;  in  the  meanness  and  poverty  of  his  out- 
ward circumstances ;  in  his  being  forty  days  tempted 


12  WESLETAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  II, 

of  the  devil;  in  his  being  despised  and  rejected  of 
men  -,  in  his  enduring  the  cursed  death  of  the  cross ; 
and  in  his  being  buried  and  continuing  under  the  power 
of  death  for  a  time. 

Isa.  liii.  3.  He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men;  a  man  of  sor- 
rows, and  acquainted  with  grief. 

Phil.  ii.  7,  8.  But  made  himself  of  no  reputation,  and  took  iipou 
him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men ; 
and  being  found  iu  fasliion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  himself,  and  be- 
came obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross. 

Matt.  xii.  40.  So  shall  the  Son  of  man  be  three  days  and  three 
nights  in  the  heart  of  the  earth. 

Q.  Was  it  necessary  that  Christ  should  thus  suffer 
and  die  for  our  redemption  ? 

A.  It  was ;  for  by  that  means  he  offered  a  full  satis- 
faction and  atonement  to  Divine  justice  for  the  sins  of 
the  whole  world. 

1  John  ii.  2.  He  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins;  and  not  for 
ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world. 

Q.  How  did  the  death  of  Christ  satisfy  Divine 
justice? 

A.  Our  sins  deserved  death ;  but  Christ  being  both 
God  and  man,  and  perfectly  righteous,  there  was  an 
infinite  value  and  merit  in  his  death,  which  being  un- 
dergone for  our  sakes  and  in  our  stead,  Almighty  God 
exercises  his  mercy  in  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  consist- 
ently with  his  justice  and  holiness. 

1  Pet.  i.  18, 19.  Ye  were  not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things, 
as  silver  and  gold,  but  with  the  precious  blood  of  Christ. 

1  Pet.  iii.  18.  Christ  also  hath  once  suffered  for  sins,  the  just  for 
the  unjust,  that  he  might  bring  us  to  God. 

Rom.  iii.  26.  That  he  might  be  just,  and  the  justifler  of  him 
which  believeth  in  Jesus. 

Q.  What  do  you  learn  from  the  death  of  Christ  ? 

A.  I  learn  the  infinite  evil  of  sin  in  the  sight  of 
God,  who  could  not  suffer  it  to  go  unpunished. 
Heb.  Ix.  22.    Without  shedding  of  blood  is  no  remission. 

Q.  AVhat  further  do  you  learn  from  the  death  of 
Christ? 


NO.  II.]  WESLEY  AN   CATECHISM.  13 

A.  I  learn  that  God  is  love ;  for  ^^  God  so  loved  tlie 
world  that  he  gave  his  only-begotten  Son,  that  whoso- 
ever believeth  in  him  should  not  perish^  but  have  ever- 
lasting life."     John  iii.  16. 

Q.  What  more  do  you  learn  from  the  death  of 
Christ? 

A.  I  learn,  also,  that  God  is  a  being  of  awful  justice, 
and  that  in  the  death  of  our  Lord  Jesus  both  his  love 
and  justice  are  harmonized  and  glorified. 

Isa.  liii.  10.  It  pleased  the  Lord  to  bruise  him ;  he  hath  put  him 
to  crief. 

Rom.  iii.  26.  To  declare — his  righteousness:  that  he  might  be 
just,  and  the  justifier  of  him  which  believeth  in  Jesus. 

Psalm  Ixxxv.  10.  Mere)'  and  truth  are  met  together :  righteous- 
ness and  peace  have  kissed  each  other. 

Let  us,  then,  my  dear  child,  devoutly  say  with  St, 
Paul,  *^  Thanks  be  unto  God  for  his  unspeakable  gift ;" 
and  with  St.  John,  '^  Unto  him  that  loved  us,  and 
washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood,  and  hath 
made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God  and  his  Father, 
to  him  be  glory  and  dominion  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen/' 

Q.  Wherein  consisteth  Christ's  exaltation  ? 

A.  Christ's  exaltation  consisteth  in  his  rising  again 
from  the  dead  on  the  third  day,  in  his  ascending  into 
heaven,  and  his  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  God  tho 
Father,  and  in  his  appointment  to  judge  the  world  at 
the  last  day. 

1  Cor.  XV.  4.  And  that  he  was  buried,  and  that  he  rose  again 
the  third  da}',  according  to  the  Scriptures. 

Mark  xvi.'^io.  So  then,  after  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  them, 
he  was  received  up  into  heaven,  and  sat  on  the  right  hand  of  God. 

Acts  xvii.  31.  He  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the  which  he  will 
judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  by  that  inan  whom  he  hath  or- 
dained. 

Q.  What  offices  does  Christ  execute  as  our  Ke- 
deemer  ? 

A.  Christ,  as  our  Redeemer,  executeth  the  offices  of 


14  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

a  prophet,  of  a  priest,  and  of  a  king,  both  in  his  estate 
of  humiliation  and  exaltation. 

Acts  iii.  22.  Moses  truly  said  unto  the  fathers,  A  prophet  shall 
the  Lord  your  God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto 
me  ;  him  shall  ye  hear  in  all  things,  whatsoever  he  shall  say  unto 
you. 

Heb.  V.  6.  Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever,  after  the  order  of  Mel- 
chisedek. 

Psalm  ii.  6.    Yet  have  I  set  my  king  upon  my  holy  hill  of  Zion. 

Q.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a  pro- 
phet ? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  prophet  in  reveal- 
ing to  us,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  the  will  of  God  for 
our  salvation. 

John  i.  18.  No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time  ;  the  only-be- 
gotten Son,  which  is  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  he  hath  declared 
him.  ... 

John  XX.  31.  These  are  written,  that  ye  might  believe  that  Jesus 
is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God ;  and  that  believing  ye  might  have 
life  through  his  name. 

John  xiv.  26.  The  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost,  whom 
the  Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall  teach  you  all  things. 

Q.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a  priest  ? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  priest  in  his 
once  offering  up  of  himself  as  a  sacrifice  to  satisfy 
Divine  justice,  and  to  reconcile  us  to  God,  and  in 
making  continual  intercession  for  us. 

Heb.  ix.  28.    Christ  was  once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of  many. 

Heb.  ii.  17.  In  all  things  it  behooved  him  to  be  made  like  unto 
his  brethren,  that  he  migjit  be  a  merciful  and  faithful  high-priest 
in  things  pertaining  to  God,  to  make  reconciliation  for  the  sins  of 
the  people. 

Heb.  vii.  25.  He  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the  uttermost  that 
come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession 
for  them. 

Q.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a  king  ? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  king  in  subduing 
■us  to  himself,  in  ruling  and  defending  us,  and  in  re- 
straining and  conquering  all  his  and  our  enemies. 

Isa.  xxxiii.  22.  The  Lord  is  our  judge,  the  Lord  is  our  lawgiver, 
the  Lord  is  our  king :  he  will  save  us. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  15 

1  Cor.  XV.  25.  He  must  reign  till  lie  hath  put  all  enemies  under 
his  feet. 

Q.  Who  were  the  disciples  of  Christ? 

A.  Those  who  believed  on  his  word,  and  became  his 
followers,  while  he  was  in  this  world. 

Q.  Who  were  the  apostles  of  our  Lord  ? 

A.  Twelve  disciples,  whom  he  called  to  be  witnesses 
of  his  miracles,  death,  resurrection,  and  ascension,  and 
who  were  to  bear  testimony  of  these  things  to  Jews 
and  Gentiles, 

Q.  What  command  did  Christ  give  to  his  apostles 
before  his  ascension  into  heaven  ? 

A.  Mark  xvi.  15,  16.  Go  ye  into  all  the  -world,  and  preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature.  He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall 
be  saved ;  but  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned. 

Q.  What  is  the  gospel  ? 

A.  It  is  the  good  news  of  salvation  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  contained  in  the  New  Testament. 

Luke  ii.  10,  11.  Behold,  I  bring  you  good  tidings  of  great  joy, 
which  shall  be  to  all  people.  For  iiiito  you  is  born  this  day  in  the 
city  of  David  a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ 'the  Lord. 

Q.  Can  you  more  particularly  describe  the  gospel  ? 

A.  It  is,  1.  An  account  of  the  coming  of  Jesus 
Christ  into  the  world,  of  his  teaching,  his  manner  of 
life,  his  miracles,  his  death,  and  his  resurrection.  2. 
It  contains  the  commands  of  God  to  all  men,  every- 
where, to  repent  of  their  sins,  and  to  believe  in  Christ. 
3.  It  is  the  promise  of  God  to  pardon,  sanctify,  and 
save  from  eternal  death,  all  who  thus  repent  and  be- 
lieve on  his  Son. 

Q.  What  is  repentance  ? 

A.  True  repentance  is  a  grace  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
whereby  a  sinner,  from  the  sense  of  his  sins,  and  ap- 
prehension of  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  doth  with 
grief  and  hatred  of  his  sin  turn  from  it  to  God,  with 
full  purpose  of,  and  endeavors  after,  future  obedience. 


16  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  II. 

Acts  xi.  18.  Tlieu  hatli  God  also  to  the  Gentiles  granted  repent- 
ance unto  life.  ,         , 

Acts  ii.  47.  When  they  heard  this  they  were  pricked  in  their 
heart,  and  said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of  the  apostles,  Men  and 
brethren,  what  shall  we  do? 

Ps.  cxix.  59,  I  thought  on  my  ways,  and  turned  my  feet  unto 
thy  testimonies. 

Q.  What  is  faitli  in  general  ? 

A.  It  is  a  conviction  of  the  truth  and  reality  of  those 
things  of  which  God  hath  told  us  in  the  Bible. 

Heb.  xi.  1.  Now  faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the 
evidence  of  things  not  seen. 

Q.  What  is  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  ? 

A.  Faith  in  Christ  is  a  saving  grace,  whereby  we 
receive  and  rest  upon  him  alone  for  salvation,  as  he  is 
offered  to  us  in  the  gospel. 

John  i.  12.  As  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power 
to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believed  on  his 
name. 

Phil.  iii.  9.  And  be  found  in  him,  not  having  mine  own  right- 
eousness, which  is  of  the. law,  but  that  which  is  through  the  faith 
of  Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith. 

Q.  Is  it  by  faitli  in  Christ  that  we  are  justified"? 

A.  It  is  :  ^' Being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace 
with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  llom. 
V.  1. 

Gal.  ii.  16.  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  justified  by  the  works 
of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ,  even  we  have  believed 
iu  Jesus  Christ,  that  we  might  be  justified  by  the  faith  of  Christ. 

Q.  What  is  justification  ? 

A.  Justification  is  an  act  of  God's  free  grace,  wherein 
he  pardoneth  all  our  sins,  and  accepteth  us  as  righteous 
in  his  sight,  only  for  the  sake  of  Christ. 

Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood, 
the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  tlie  riches  of  his  grace. 

2  Cor.  V.  '21.  For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew 
no  sin;  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  him, 

Rom.  V.  19,  As  by  one  man's  disobedience  many  were  made 
sinners,  so  by  the  obedience  ofone  shall  many  be  made  righteous. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN    CARECHISM.  17 

Q.  What  other  benefits  do  we  receive  at  the  same 
time  with  justification  ? 

A.  Adoption  and  regeneration. 

Eoin.  viii.  1.  Tliere  is,  therefore,  now  no  condemnation  to  them 
which  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after 
the  Spirit. 

John  i.  12.  As  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  power 
to  become  the  sous  of  God,  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his 
name. 

Q.  What  is  adoption  ? 

A.  Adoption  is  an  act  of  God's  free  grace,  whereby, 
upon  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  we  are  received  into  the 
number,  and  have  a  right  to  all  the  privileges  of  the 
sons  of  God. 

1  John  iii.  1.  Behold  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  be- 
stowed upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God., 

Koni.  viii.  17.  If  children,  then  heirs;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint- 
heirs  with  Christ. 

Q.  What  blessings  do  in  this  life  accompany  our 
justification  and  adoption? 

A.  A  sense  of  God's  love,  peace  of  conscience,  joy 
in  the  Holy  Gh&st,  and  hope  of  the  glory  of  God, 

Eom.  V.  1.  Being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Rom.  V.  5.  The  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  which  is  given  unto  us. 

Rom.  viii.  17.  And  if  children,  then  heirs;  heirs  of  God,  and 
joint-heirs  with  Christ. 

Q.  What  is  regeneration,  or  the  new  birth  ? 

A.  It  is  that  great  change  which  God  works  in  the 
soul,  when  he  raises  it  from  the  death  of  sin  to  the  life 
of  righteousness.  It  is  the  change  wrought  in  the 
whole  soul  by  the  Almighty,  when  it  is  created  anew 
in  Christ  Jesus,  when  it  is  renewed  after  the  image  of 
God,  in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 

2  Cor.  V.  17.  Therefore,  if  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is  a  new 
creature:  old  things  are  passed  away;  behold,  all  things  are  be- 
come new. 

John  iii.  3.  Except  a  man  be  bora  again,  he  cannot  see  the 
kingdom  of  God. 


18  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

2  Thess.  ii.  13.  God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  you  to 
salvation,  through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit. 

Q.  What  follows  from  our  regeneration,  or  being 
born  again  ? 

A.  Then  our  sanctification  being  begun,  we  receive 
power  to  grow  in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ, 
and  to  live  in  the  exercise  of  inward  and  outward  hoU- 


1  Peter  ii.  2.  As  new-born  babes,  desire  the  sincere  milk  of  the 
word,  that  ye  may  grow  thereby. 

Q.  What  is  entire  sanctification  ? 

A.  The  state  of  being  entirely  cleansed  from  sin,  so 
as  to  love  God  with  all  our  heart,  and  mind,  and  soul, 
and  strength,  and  our  neighbor  as  ourselves. 

1  Thess.  V.  23.    The  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly. 

Matt.  V.  48.  Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  even  as  your  Father  which 
is  in  heaven  is  perfect. 

1  John  iii.  3.  And  every  man  that  hath  this  hope  in  him  purifieth 
himself,  even  as  he  is  pure. 

Matt.  xii.  33.    Make  the  tree  good,  and  his  fruit  good. 

Q.  What  benefits  do  believers  receive  from  Christ  at 
death  ? 

A.  The  souls  of  believers  at  death  do  immediately 
pass  into  glory,  while  their  bodies  rest  in  their  £-raves 
till  the  resurrection. 

Phil,  i,  23.    Having  a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ. 
1  Thess.  iv.  14.    Them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring 
with  him. 

Q.  What  benefits  will  believers  receive  from  Christ 
at  the  resurrection  ? 

A.  At  the  resurrection,  believers,  being  raised  up  in 
glory,  shall  be  openly  acknowledged  and  accepted  in 
the  day  of  judgment,  and  made  perfectly  blessed  in  the 
full  enjoyment  of  God  to  all  eternity. 

1  Cor.  XV.  43.    It  is  sown  in  dishonor,  it  is  raised  in  glory. 
Matt.  X.  32.    Whosoever  therefore  shall  confess  me  before  men, 
him  will  I  confess  also  before  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 
1  Thess.  iv.  17.    So  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  19 

SECTION  Y. 

or     THE     HOLY     GHOST. 

Q.  Is  the  Holy  Ghost^  of  wliom  you  have  spoken,  a 
Divine  person  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Ghost  is  the  third  person  in  the 
Trinity,  equal  in  power  and  glory  to  the  Father  and 
the  Son. 

Matt,  xxviii.  19.    Baptizing  tbem  in  tlie  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 

Q.  Do  the  Scriptures  ascribe  any  part  of  the  work 
of  creation  to  the  Holy  Spirit  ? 

A.  They  do.  ''The  earth  was  without  form  and 
void ;  and  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the  deep ; 
and  the  Spirit  of  God  moved  upon  the  face  of  the 
waters."     Gen.  i.  2. 

Q.  Are  not  works  of  providence  ascribed  to  him  ? 

A.  They  are ;  the  preservation  of  the  diflferent  kinds 
of  animals  from  age  to  age. 

Psalm  civ.  30.    Thou  sendest  forth  thy  Spirit,  they  are  created ; 
and  thou  renewest  the  face  of  the  earth. 

Q.  Were  not  the  Scriptures  given  by  the  inspiration 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  ? 

A.  ''AH  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God." 
2  Tim.  iii.  16. 

2  Pet.  1.  21.    Holy  men  of  God  spake  as  they  were  moved  by  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

Q.  What  offices  did  the  Holy  Ghost  perform  for 
Christ? 

A.  He  framed  the  human  nature  of  Christ  in  the 

womb  of   the  Virgin,  so  that   he  was   born  without 

sin;    and   gave   to    him    wisdom    and    grace    without 

measure. 

Luke  i.  35.  The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power 
of  the  Highest  shall  overshadow  thee :  therefore  also  that  holy 


20  WESLEY  AN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

tiling  wliich  shall  be  born  of  tliee,  shall  be  called  the  Son  of 
God. 

Luke  ii.  52.  And  Jesus  increased  in  wisdom  and  stature,  and  in 
favor  with  God  and  man. 

Isa.  Ixi.  1.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  God  is  upon  me  ;  because  the 
Lord  hath  anointed  me  to  preach  good  tidings  unto  the  meek  ;  he 
hath  sent  me  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim  liberty 
to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  are 
bound. 

Q.  What  offices  does  the  Holy  Ghost  perform  for 
those  who  believe  in  Christ '/ 

A.  He  enlightens  their  minds  to  understand  the 
Scriptures,  assists  them  in  their  prayers,  bears  witness 
with  their  spirits  that  they  are  the  children  of  God, 
comforts  them  in  trouble,  sanctifies  theni  from  all  sin, 
inward  and  outward,  fills  their  hearts  with  perfect  love 
to  God  and  to  all  mankind,  and  with  other  excellent 
graces  and  virtues. 

Q.  Mention  a  few  passages  of  Scripture  to  prove 
this. 

A.  John  xvi.  13.  When  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come,  he  will 
guide  you  into  all  truth. 

Rom.  viii.  26.  Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmities  : 
for  we  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought;' but  the 
Spirit  itself  mak^Tlf  intercession  for  us  with  groanings  which  can- 
not be  uttered. 

Rom.  viii.  16.  The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our  spirit, 
that  we  are  the  children  of  God. 

John  xiv.  26.  But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost,  whom 
the  Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall  teach  you  all  things,  and 
bring  all  things  to  your  remembrance,  whatsoever  I  have  said  unto 
you. 

Gal.  V.  22,  23.  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  long- 
suffering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness,  temperance. 

Q.  What  is  the  Church  of  Christ  ? 

A.  The  whole  body  of  true  believers  in  every  age 
and  place. 

Q.  What  offices  does  the  Holy  Ghost  perform  for  the 
Church  of  Christ  ? 

A.  He  calls  and  qualifies  men  from  time  to  time  to 
preach  the  word  and  minister  the  sacraments,  renders 
their  preaching  effectual  to  the  conversion  of  sinners 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  21 

and  the  edification  of  believers,  and  is  present  in  all 
the  ordinances  of  public  worship. 

Acts  XX.  2-.  Take  lieed  therefore  tinto  yourselves,  and  to  all 
the  flock  over  the  which  the  Holy  Ghost  has  made  you  overseers. 

1  Thess.  i.  5.  Our  gospel  came  not  unto  you  in  word  only,  bat- 
also  in  power,  and  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  in  much  assurance. 

John  xiv.  16.  He  shall  give  you  another  Comforter,  that  he  may 
abide  with  you  for  ever. 

Q.  By  what  means  do  you  obtain  the  help  and  com- 
fort of  the  Holy  Spirit  ? 
A.  By  prayer. 

Luke  xi.  13.  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good 
gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly 
Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him? 


SECTION  VI. 

OF     THE     LAW     OF     GOD. 

Q.  What  is  the  law  of  God  ? 

A.  The  law  of  Grod  is  his  will  respecting  mankind 
in  general,  both  as  to  what  they  are  to  do,  and  to  leave 
undone. 

Q.  Where  is  the  law  to  be  found  ? 

A.  In  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  excellence  of  this  law  in  the 
Scriptures  ? 

A.  That  "the  law  is  holy,  and  the  commandment 
holy,  and  just,  and  good.^'     Rom.  vii.  12. 

Q.  Did  not  Jesus  Christ  sum  up  the  whole  law  of 
God  in  two  great  commandments  ? 

A.  He  did.  "  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God 
with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all 
thy  mind.  ■  This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment. 
And  the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbor  as   thyself.     On    these  two  commandments 


22  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  II. 

hang  all  the  law  and  the  prophets/'  Matt.  xxii. 
37-40. 

Q.  Have  we  not  a  larger  summary  of  the  law  of  God 
also  in  the  Scriptures  ? 

A.  We  have ;  in  the  ten  commandments,  first  writ- 
ten by  the  finger  of  Grod  on  two  tables  of  stone,  and 
given  to  Moses,  but  now  recorded  in  the  twentieth 
chapter  of  the  book  of  Exodus. 

Q.  Have  these  ten  commandments  any  particular 
name  ? 

A.  The  ten  commandments  are  called  the  moral  law, 
as  in  substance  containing  all  the  moral  duties  required 
of  all  mankind  in  the  Scriptures ;  and  they  are  called 
the  moral  law,  also,  to  distinguish  them  from  the  laws 
given  by  Grod  to  the  children  of  Israel  respecting  the 
ceremonies  of  religious  worship,  and  their  political 
duties,  which  were  chiefly  binding  upon  the  Israelites 
only. 

Q.  Repeat  the  ten  commandments. 

A.  I.  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

II.  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  tlice  any  graven  im- 
age, or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven 
above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the 
water  under  the  earth :  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thy- 
self to  them,  nor  serve  them ;  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God 
am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers 
upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  genera- 
tion of  them  that  hate  me ;  and  showing  mercy  unto 
thousands  of  them  that  love  me  and  keep  my  com- 
mandments. 

III.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy 
God  in  vain ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless 
that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

IV.  Remember  the  Sabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy. 
Six  days  shalt  thou  labor  and  do  all  thy  work ;  but  the 
seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  :  in 
it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  23 

thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-ser- 
vant, nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within 
thy  gates ;  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the 
seventh  day ;  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath- 
day,  and  hallowed  it. 

V.  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother ;  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee. 

VL  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

VII.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

VIII.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX.  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy 
neighbor. 

X.  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house,  thou 
shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  man-ser- 
vant, nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor 
any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbor's. 

Q.  What  do  you  chiefly  learn  by  these  commandments  ? 

A.  I  learn  two  things :  my  duty  toward  God,  and 
my  duty  toward  my  neighbor. 

Q.  What  is  your  duty  toward  God  ? 

A.  My  duty  toward  God  is  to  beheve  in  him,  to  fear 
him,  and  to  love  him  with  all  my  heart,  with  all  my 
mind,  with  all  my  soul,  and  with  all  my  strength ;  to 
worship  him,  to  give  him  thanks,  to  put  my  whole  trust 
in  him,  to  call  upon  him,  to  honor  his  holy  name,  his 
Sabbath,  and  his  word,  and  to  serve  him  truly  all  the 
days  of  my  life. 

Q.  What  is  your  duty  toward  your  neighbor  ? 

A.  My  duty  toward  my  neighbor  is  to  love  him  as 
myself,  and  to  do  to  all  men  as  I  would  they  should  do 
unto  me;  to  love,  honor,  and  succor  my  father  and 
mother  -,  to  honor  and  obey  my  civil  rulers ;  to  submit 
myself  to  all  my  governors,  teachers,  spiritual  pastors, 
and  masters ;  to  order  myself  lowly  and  reverently  to 
all  my  betters;  to  hurt  nobody  by  word  or  deed;  to  be 


24  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

true  and  just  in  all  my  dealings ;  to  bear  no  malice 
nor  hatred  in  my  heart ;  to  keep  my  hands  from  pick- 
ing and  stealing,  and  my  tongue  from  evil-speaking, 
lying,  and  slandering;  to  keep  my  body  in  temperance, 
soberness,  and  chastity  •  not  to  covet  or  desire  other 
men's  goods ;  but  to  learn  and  labor  truly  to  get  my 
own  living,  and  to  do  my  duty  in  that  state  of  life  unto 
which  it  shall  please  God  to  call  me. 

Q.  What  other  information  do  the  Scriptures  give 
us  respecting  the  law  of  God  ? 

A.  These  ten  commandments  are  further  explained 
and  enforced,  and  the  principles  they  contain  applied 
to  various  duties  and  cases,  both  in  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments. 

Q.  Where  is  this  done  in  particular? 

A.  In  our  Lord's  sermon  on  the  mount,  and  in  his 
discourses  at  other  times,  when  he  explains  the  spirit- 
ual and  extensive  meaning  of  the  moral  law,  and  enjoins 
its  observance  upon  all  his  disciples  to  the  end  of  time. 

Matt.  V.  17,  18.  Tliink  not  that  I  am  come  to  destvo}'  the  law  or 
the  prophets  :  I  am  not  come  to  destroy,  but  to  fultil.  For  verily 
I  say  unto  you.  Till  heaven  and  earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle 
shall  in  nowise  pass  from  the  law,  till  all  be  fulfilled. 

Q.  Did  our  Saviour  make  any  addition  to  the  ten 
commandments  ? 

A.  He  said,  "A  new  commandment  I  give  unto  you, 
That  ye  love  one  another ;  as  I  have  loved  you,  that  ye 
also  love  one  another.''     John  xiii.  34. 

Q.  What  does  this  new  commandment  mean  ? 

A.  This  new  commandment  means  that  we  should 
not  only  love  our  neighbor  as  ourselves,  but  that  we 
should  bear  a  particular  affection  for  all  those  who,  like 
ourselves,  are  the  disciples  of  Christ,  by  whatever  name 
they  are  called. 

Eph.  vi.  24.  Grace  be  with  all  them  that  love  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  jn  sincerity. 

1  John  iv.  11.  Beloved,  if  God  so  loved  us,  we  ought  also  to  love 
one  another. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  25 

1  Jolin  iii.  16.    We  ought  to  lay  down  our  lives  for  the  brethien. 

Q.  What  explanations  of  the  law  of  God,  as  summed 
up  in  the  ten  commandments,  do  we  find  in  the  New 
Testament  ? 

A.  Our  Lord  hath  taught  us,  that  the  ten  command- 
ments do  not  only  forbid  sin  in  outward  actions,  but 
also  in  the  thoughts  and  purposes  of  the  mind. 

Matt.  V.  21,  22.  It  was  said  by  them  of  old  time,  Thou  shalt  not 
kill ;  and  whosoever  shall  kill  shall  be  in  danger  of  the  judgment ; 
but  I  say  unto  you.  That  whosoever  is  angry  with  his  brother,  with- 
out a  cause,  shall  be  in  danger  of  the  judgment:  and  whosoever 
shall  say  to  his  brother,  Raca,  shall  be  in  danger  of  the  council; 
but  whosoever  shall  say,  Thou  fool,  shall  be  in  danger  of  hell  fire. 

Q.  Does  not  St.  James  teach  us  that  if  we  break  but 
one  of  the  commandments,  we  shall  fall  into  condem- 
nation ? 

A.  He  does.  '^  For  whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole 
law,  and  yet  oifcnd  in  one  point,  he  is  guilty  of  all." 
James  ii.  10. 

Q.  Does  not  our  Lord  show  us  who  we  are  to  under- 
stand by  our  neighbor,  whom  we  are  commanded  to 
love  as  ourselves? 

A.  He  does.  In  the  parable  of  the  good  Samaritan, 
he  has  told  us  that  every  man  of  every  nation  is  our 
neighbor,  and  that  if  any  be  in  distress,  we  are  bound 
to  help  and  relieve  them. 

Q.  Has  not  our  Lord  given  us  another  important 
precept  founded  upon  our  love  to  our  neighbor  ? 

A.  He  has.  "  Whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should 
do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them ;  for  this  is  the  law 
and  the  prophets.'^     Matt.  vii.  12. 

Q.  Has  he  not  also  given  us  certain  rules  to  direct 
us  in  our  conduct  toward  our  enemies  ? 

A.  He  has.  "I  say  unto  you.  Love  your  enemies, 
bless  them  that  curse  you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate 
you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despitefully  use  you  and 
persecute  you."     Matt.  v.  44. 


26  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  II. 

Q.  How  does  our  Lord  direct  us  to  behave  toward 
them  who  have  injured  us? 

A.  We  are  commanded  to  forgive  them. 

^tatt.  vi.  15.  If  ye  forgive  not  men  their  trespasses,  neither  will 
your  Father  forgive  your  trespasses. 

Q.  Does  not  the  law  of  God,  as  explained  and  en- 
larged in  the  New  Testament,  contain  various  com- 
mands as  to  our  tempers  and  dispositions  ? 

A.  It  does  :  that  wc  ought  to  be  meek  and  lowly ; 
patient  under  suflFeriugs,  and  kind  to  all  men. 

Matt.  xl.  29.    Learn  of  me,  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart. 
Luke  xxi.  19.    In  your  patience  possess  ye  j'our  souls. 
Gal.  vi.  10.    As  we  have,  therefore,  opportunity,  let  us  do  good 
unto  all  men. 

Q.  Does  it  not  contain  various  precepts  as  to  our 
conduct  in  the  different  relations  of  life  ? 
A.  It  does.     1.  As  to  husbands  and  wives. 

Eph.  v.  25.  Husbands,  love  your  wives,  even  as  Christ  also  loved 
the  Church,  and  gave  himself  for  it. 

Eph.  V.  22.  Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your  own  husbands, 
as  unto  the  Lord. 

2.  As  to  parents  and  children. 

Eph.  vi.  4.  Fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to  wrath;  but 
bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Eph.  vi.  1.  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord ;  for  this  is 
right. 

3.  As  to  masters  and  servants. 

1  Pet.  ii.  18.  Servants,  be  subject  to  your  own  masters  with  all 
fear;  not  only  to  the  good  and  gentle,  but  also  to  the  froward. 

Col.  iv.  1,  Masters,  give  unto  your  servants  that  which  is  just 
and  equal ;  knowing  that  ye  also  have  a  Master  in  heaven. 

4.  As  to  obedience  to  magistrates  and  governors. 

Rom.  xiii.  1.  Let  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the  higher  powers. 
For  there  is  no  power  but  of  God :  the  powers  that  be  are  ordained 
of  God. 

1  Pet.  ii.  17.  Honor  all  men  ;  love  the  brotherhood ;  fear  God ; 
honor  the  king.  , 

5.  As  to  ministers  of  the  gospel. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  27 

Heb.  xiii.  17.  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  sub- 
mit yourselves ;  for  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as  they  that  must 
give  account. 

Q.  To  what  end  servetli  the  law  of  God  ? 

A.  The  law  of  God  serveth,  in  the  first  place,  as  the 
rule  of  our  conduct;  and  in  the  second  to  convince  us 
of  sin;  for  "by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin.'' 
Rom.  iii.  20. 

Rom.  iii.  23.    All  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  the  glory  of 
God. 
Ps,  xix.  12.    Who  can  understand  his  errors? 

Q.  Are  all  transijressions  of  the  law  equally  great  ? 

A.  Some  sins  in  themselves,  and  by  reason  of  several 
aggravations,  are  more  heinous  in  the  sight  of  God 
than  others. 

John  xix.  11.  He  that  delivered  me  unto  thee  hath  the  greater 
sin. 

Q.  What  doth  every  sin  deserve  ? 
A.  Every  sin  deserveth  God's  wrath  and  curse,  both 
in  this  life  and  that  which  is  to  come. 

Gal.  iii.  10.    Cursed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things 
which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do  them. 
Rom.  vi.  23.    The  wages  of  sin  is  death. 

Q.  Does  the  law  of  God  promise  the  pardon  of  sin 
to  those  who  have  transgressed  it  ? 

A.  It  does  not :  pardon  is  promised  only  in  the 
gospel,  through  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Q.  Then  all  who  do  not  repent  of  their  sins,  and 
believe  in  Christ,  as  before  explained,  must  remain 
for  ever  under  the  curse  and  vengeance  of  this  just  and 
holy  law  ? 

A.  Certainly;  for  "he  that  believeth  not  shall  be 
damned."     Mark  xvi.  16. 

Q.  But  might  you  not  obtain  forgiveness  by  repent- 
ing, and  keeping  the  law  of  God  in  future  ? 

A.  This  I  am  not  able  to  do  without  the  grace  of 
Christ;  for  "they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please 


28  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  II. 

God."  Rom.  viii.  8.  But  if  I  could,  present  obedience 
cannot  atone  for  my  past  sins,  every  one  of  which  lays 
me  under  the  curse  of  the  law. 

Q.  Well,  then,  trusting  in  the  merits  of  Christ,  as  a 
helpless,  guilty,  and  undone  sinner,  you  will  obtain  the 
remission  of  your  sins ;  and  being  regenerated  by  the 
Holy  Spirit,  will  you  be  enabled  by  his  help  thence- 
forward to  please  God,  and  keep  his  commandments  ? 

A.^  I  shall :  '^For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that 
it  was  weak  through  the  flesh,  God,  sending  his  own 
Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin,  con- 
demned sin  in  the  flesh ;  that  the  righteousness  of  the 
law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who  walk  not  after  the 
flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit."  Rom.  viii.  3,  4, 
1  John  iii.  9.    Whosoever  is  born  of  God  doth  not  commit  sin. 

Seeing,  therefore,  that  you  can  only  be  saved  from 
your  natural  misery  and  sinfulness  by  Jesus  Christ,  flee 
to  him  for  refuge,  earnestly  praying  to  him  for  forgive- 
ness of  your  past  sins,  and  for  a  new  heart  and  a  right 
spirit,  that  you  may  supremely  love  and  faithfully  serve 
him  all  the  days  of  your  life. 


SECTION   VII. 

OF     THE     SACRAMENTS. 

Q.  How  many  sacraments  hath  Christ  ordained  in 
his  Church  ? 

A.  Two  :  Baptism  and  the  Supper  of  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  mean  you  by  the  word  sacrament  ? 

A.  I  mean  an  outward  and  visible  sign  of  an  inward 
and  spiritual  grace  given  unto  us,  ordained  by  Christ 
himself,  as  a  means  whereby  we  receive  the  same^  and 
a  pledge  to  assure  us  thereof. 


no.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  29 

Q.  What  is  the  outward  and  visible  sign  or  form  in 
baptism  ? 

A.  The  application  of  water  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Matt, 
xxviii.  19. 

Q.  What  is  the  inward  and  spiritual  grace  signified 
by  this  ? 

A.  Our  being  cleansed  from  sin,  and  becoming  new 

creatures  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Acts  xxii.  IG.  Arise  and  be  baptized,  and  wasli  away  thy  sins, 
calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  are  the  actual  privileges  of  baptized 
persons  ? 

A.  They  are  made  members  of  the  visible  Church 
of  Christ ;  their  gracious  relation  to  him  as  the  second 
Adam,  and  as  the  Mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  is 
solemnly  ratified  by  Divine  appointment;  and  they  are 
thereby  recognized  •  as  having  a  claim  to  all  those 
spiritual  blessings  of  which  they  are  the  proper 
subjects. 

Q.  What  doth  your  baptism  in  the  name  of  the 
Father,  the  Son^  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  oblige  you  to 
do? 

A.  My  baptism  obliges  me,  first,  to  renounce  the 
devil  and  all  his  works,  the  pomps  and  vanity  of  this 
wicked  world,  and  all  the  sinful  lusts  of  the  flesh; 
secondly,  that  I  should  believe  all  the  articles  of  the 
Christian  faith ;  and,  thirdly,  that  I  should  keep  God's 
holy  will  and  commandments,  and  walk  in  the  same  all 
the  days  of  my  life. 

Q.  Why  was  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
ordained  ? 

A.  For  the  continual  remembrance  of  the  sacrifice 
of  the  death  of  Christ,  and  of  the  benefits  which  we 
receive  thereby. 

Q.  What  is  the  outward  part  or  sign  of  the  Lord's  - 
Supper  ? 


30  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [nO.  j£. 

A.  Bread  and  wine,  which  the  Lord  hath  com- 
manded to  be  received. 

1  Cor.  xi.  23-26.  The  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  he 
was  betrayed,  took  bread.  After  the  same  manner  also  he  took 
the  cup,  when  he  had  supped,  saying.  This  do  in  remembrance  of 
me.  For  as  oft  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do 
show  the  Lord's  death  till  he  come. 

Q.  What  is  the  thing  signified  by  this  outward  sign? 

A.  The  body  and  blood  of  Christ,  which  are  spirit- 
ually taken  and  received  by  the  faithful  in  the  Lord's 
Supper^  to  the  strengthening  and  refreshing  of  their 
souls. 

1  Cor.  X.  16.  The  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the 
communion  of  the  blood  of  Christ"!*  The  bread  which  we  break, 
is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  body  of  Christ? 

John  vi.  54,  55.  Whoso  eateth  my  flesh  and  drinketh  my  blood, 
hath  eternal  life.  For  my  flesh  is  meat  iedeed,  and  my  blood  is 
drink  indeed. 

Q.  Why  ought  we  to  partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
regularly  and  frequently  ? 

A.  1.  In  obedience  to  Christ's  commandment,  ^^This 
do  in  remembrance  of  me."     Luke  xxii.  19. 

2.  To  make  a  holy  profession  of  Christ  and  his  cross, 
by  declaring  our  entire  dependence  on  his  death  as  the 
only  atonement  for  our  sins,  and  as  our  only  hope  of 
salvation. 

3.  To  declare  our  love  and  thankfulness  to  him; 
and  to  enjoy  communion  with  God,  and  with  our  fel- 
low-Christians, in  the  remembrance  of  Christ's  death. 

Q.  What  is  required  of  those  who  come  to  the 
Lord's  Supper  ? 

A.  To  examine  themselves,  whether  they  repent 
them  truly  of  their  former  sins,  steadfastly  purposing 
to  lead  a  new  life;  and  whether  they  have  a  lively 
faith  in  God's  mercy  through  Christ,  with  a  thankful 
remembrance  of  his  death,  and  are  in  charity  with  all 


1  Cor.  xi.  28.    Let  a  man  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of 
that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  31 

SECTION  VIII. 

OF    THE    WORD    OF    GOD    AND    PRAYER. 

Q.  In  what  is  the  word  of  Grod  contained  ? 

A.  In  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments. 

Q.  How  are  we  to  use  the  word  of  God  to  our 
benefit  ? 

A.  By  frequently  and  seriously  reading  and  hearing 
it,  with  prayer  to  God  that  his  Holy  Spirit  may  show 
us  its  meaning,  and  apply  it  to  our  hearts. 

John  V.  39.  Search  the  Scriptures,  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have 
eternal  life,  and  they  are  they  Avhich  testify  of  me. 

Rom.  X.  17.  Faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by  the  word 
of  God. 

Q.  With  wliat  disposition  of  mind  ought  we  to  read 
and  hear  God's  holy  word  ? 

A.  With  a  meek  and  teachable  disposition  ;  with 
faith;  and  an  intention  to  practice  it,  by  God's  grace. 

James  i.  21.  Receive  with  meekness  the  engrafted  word,  which 
is  able  to  save  your  souls. 

Matt.  xi.  25.  At  that  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  I  thank 
thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  because  thou  hast  hid 
these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them 
unto  babes. 

Heb.  iv.  2.  The  word  preached  did  not  profit  them,  not  being 
mixed  with  faith  in  them  that  heard  it. 

John  vii.  17.  If  any  man  will  do  his  will,  he  shall  know  of  the 
doctrine,  whether  it  be  of  God. 

Q.  Ought  we  not  often  to  think  upon  what  we  have 
heard  and  read  ? 

A.  We  ought  to  lay  up  the  word  of  God  in  our 
hearts,  and  meditate  therein  day  and  night. 

Ps,  cxix.  11.  Thy  word  have  I  hid  in  mine  heart,  that  I  might 
not  sin  against  thee. 

Luke  ii.  19.  But  Mary  kept  all  these  things,  and  pondered  them 
in  her  heart. 

Q.  What  is  prayer  ? 

A.  Prayer  is  the  offering  up  of  our  desires  to  God 


32  WESLEY  AN   CATECHISM.  '  [NO.  II. 

for  things  agreeable  to  liis  will,  in  the  name  of  Christ, 
with  confession  of  our  sins,  and  thankful  acknowle(%- 
ment  of  his  mercies. 

Ps.  Ixii.  8.  Trust  in  him  at  all  times;  ye  people,  pour  out  your 
hearts  before  him :  God  is  a  refuge  for  us. 

John  xvi.  23.  Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  the  Father  in  my  i\ame, 
he  will  give  it  to  yon. 

Dan.  ix.  4.  And  I  prayed  unto  the  Lord  my  God,  and  made  my 
confession. 

Phil.  iv.  6.  Be  careful  for  nothing  ;  but  in  every  thing  by  prayer 
and  supplication,  with  thanksgiving,  let  your  requests  be  made 
known  to  God. 

Q.  Where  are  we  required  to  offer  up  our  prayers 
and  thanksgivings  ? 

A.  Publicly,  in  the  house  of  God;  and  privately, 
in  our  closets. 

Ps.  c.  4.  Enter  into  his  gates  with  thanksgiving,  and  into  his 
courts  with  praise  :  be  thankful  unto  him,  and  bless  his  name. 

Matt.  vi.  6.  But  thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy  closet, 
and  when  thou  hast  shut  thy  door,  pray  to  thy  Father  wliich  is  in 
secret,  and  thy  Father  which  seeth  in  secret  shall  reward  thee 
openly. 

Q.  What  rule  hath  God  given  for  our  direction  in 
prayer  ? 

A.  The  whole  word  of  God  is  of  use  to  direct  us  in 
prayer ;  but  the  special  rule  of  direction  is  that  form 
of  prayer  which  Christ  taught  his  disciples,  commonly 
called  the  Lord's  Prayer. 

Q.  Repeat  that  prayer. 

A.  Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name  :  thy  kingdom  come  :  thy  will  be  done  on  earth, 
as  it  is  in  heaven  :  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread ; 
and  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  them  that 
trespass  against  us ;  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation, 
but  deliver  us  from  evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Q.  What  doth  the  preface  of  our  Lord's  prayer 
teach  us  ? 

A.  The  preface  of  our  Lord's  prayer,  which  is,  "Our 
Father  who  art  in  heaven/'  teaches  us  to  draw  near  to 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  33 

God  witli  all  holy  reverence  and  confidence,  as  children 
to  a  father,  able  and  ready  to  help  them ;  and  that  we 
should  pray  with  and  for  others. 

Isa.  Ixiv.  9.  Be  not  wroth  very  sore,  0  Lord,  neitlier  remember 
iniquity  for  ever :  behold,  see,  we  beseech  thee,  we  are  all  thy 
people. 

Rom.  viii.  15.  Ye  have  not  received  the  spirit  of  bondage  again 
to  fear ;. bat  ye  have  received  the  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we 
cry,  Abba,  Father. 

Luke  xi.  13.  If  ye,  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good 
gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly 
Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him? 

Eph.  vi.  18.  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in 
the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance  and  sup- 
plication for  all  saints. 

Q.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  first  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  first  petition,  which  is,  "  Hallowed  be 
thy  name,''  we  pray  that  God  would  enable  us,  and 
others,  to  glorify  him  in  all  that  whereby  he  maketh 
himself  known,  and  that  he  would  dispose  all  things 
to  his  own  glory. 

Ps,  Ixvii.  1-3.  God  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us ;  and  cause 
his  face  to  shine  upon  us.  That  thy  way  may  be  known  upon 
earth,  thy  saving  health  among  all  nations.  Let  the  people  praise 
thee,  0  God  ;  let  all  the  people  praise  thee.  . 

Rom.  xi.  36.  Of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him,  are  all 
things :  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever.    Amen. 

Q.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  second  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  second  petition,  which  is,  "  Thy  kingdom 
come,"  we  pray  that  Satan's  kingdom  may  be  de- 
stroyed ;  that  the  kingdom  of  grace  may  be  advanced, 
ourselves  and  others  brought  into  it,  and  kept  in  it; 
and  that  the  kingdom  of  glory  may  be  hastened. 

Ps.  Ixviii.  1.  Let  God  arise,  let  his  enemies  be  scattered,  let 
them  also  that  hate  him  flee  before  him. 

Ps.  li.  18.  Do  good  in  thy  good  pleasure  unto  Zion  :  build  thou 
the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 

2  Thess.  iii.  1.  Brethren,  pray  for  ns,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord 
may  have  free  course  and  be  glorified,  even  as  it  is  with  you. 

Rom.  X.  1.  My  heart's  desire  and  prayer  to  God  for  Israel  is, 
that  they  may  be  saved. 

Rev.  xxii.  "20.  He  which  testifieth  these  things  saith,  Sui'ely  I 
come  quickly :  Amen.    Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesus. 


34  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

Q.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  third  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  third  petition,  which  is,  "  Thy  will  be 
done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven/'  we  pray  that  God, 
by  his  grace,  would  make  us  able  and  willing  to  know, 
obey,  and  submit  to  his  will  in  all  things,  as  the  angels 
do  in  heaven. 

Ps.  cxix.  34-3fi,  Give  me  understanding,  and  I  shall  keep  thy 
law  ;  yea,  I  sliall  observe  it  with  my  whole  heart.  Make  me  to  go 
in  the  path  of  thy  commandments;  for  therein  do  I  delight.  In- 
cline my  heart  unto  thy  testimonies. 

Acts  xxi.  14.  When  he  would  not  be  persuaded,  we  ceased,  say- 
ing, The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done. 

Ps.  ciil.  20.  Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel  in  strength, 
that  do  his  commandments,  hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  his  word. 
22.  Bless  the  Lord,  all  his  works,  in  all  places  of  his  dominion; 
bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul. 

Q.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fourth  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  fourth  petition,  which  is,  ''  Give  us  this 
day  our  daily  bread,"  we  pray  that  of  God's  free  gift 
we  may  receive  a  competent  portion  of  the  good  things 
of  this  life,  and  enjoy  his  blessing  with  them. 

Prov.  XXX.  8.  Ptcmove  far  from  me  vanity  and  lies :  give  me 
neither  poverty  nor  riches  :  feed  me  with  food  convenient  for  me. 

Ps.  xc.  17.  Let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us; 
and  establish  thou  tlie  work  of  our  hands  upon  us;  yea,  the  work 
of  our  hands  establish  thou  it. 

Q.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fifth  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  fifth  petition,  which  is,  "And  forgive  us 
our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  them  that  trespass  against 
us,"  we  pray  that  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  would  freely 
pardon  all  our  sins,  which  we  are  the  rather  encouraged 
to  ask,  because,  by  his  grace,  we  are  enabled  from  the 
heart  to  forgive  others. 

Ps.  li.  1.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  0  God,  according  to  thy  loving- 
kindness  :  according  unto  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies  blot 
out  my  transgressions. 

Dan.  ix.  17,  19.  Cause  thy  face  to  shine, — for  the  Lord's  sake, 
0  Lord,  hear ;  0  Lord,  forgive  ; — for  thine  own  sake. 

Matt.  vi.  14.  If  ye  forgive  men  their  trespasses,  your  heavenly 
Father  will  also  forgive  you. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  '  35 

Q.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  sixth  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  sixth  petition,  which  is,  ''And  lead  us  not 
into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil/'  we  pray  that 
God  would  either  keep  us  from  being  brought  into  such 
circumstances  as  will  especially  tempt  us  to  sin^  or  sup- 
port and  deliver  us  when  we  are  tempted. 

Matt.  xxvi.  41.  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  tempta- 
tion. 

Ps.  xix.  13.  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous 
sins ;  let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me. 

Ps.  li.  10,  12,  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  0  God :  and  renew  a 
right  spirit  within  me.  Eestore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation ; 
and  ui)hoId  me  with  thy  free  Spirit. 

Q.  What  does  the  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  prayer 
teach  us  ? 

A.  The  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  prayer,  which  is, 
"  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  for  ever  and  ever,  Amen,"  teacheth  us  to  take 
encouragement  in  prayer  from  God  only,  and  in  our 
prayers  to  praise  him,  ascribing  kingdom,  power,  and 
glory  to  him ;  and  in  testimony  of  our  desire  and 
assurance  to  be  heard,  we  say.  Amen. 

Dan,  ix.  18,  19.  We  do  not  present  our  supplications  before 
thee  for  our  righteousness,  but  for  thy  great  mercies.  0  Lord, 
hear;  0  Lord,  forgive;  0  Lord,  hearken  and  do;  defer  not,  for 
thine  own  sake,  0  my  God. 

1  Chron.  xxix.  11,  13.  Thine,  0  Lord,  is  the  greatness,  and  tlie 
power,  and  the  glory,  and  the  victory,  and  the  majesty;  for  all 
that  is  m  the  heaven  and  in  the  earth  is  thine.  Xow,  therefore, 
our  God,  we  thank  thee,  and  praise  thy  glorious  name. 

Rev.  xxii.  20.     Amen.    Even  so,  come.  Lord  Jesus. 

Q.  Rehearse  the  articles  of  your  belief. 

A.  I  believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of 
heaven  and  earth ;  and  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  Son 
our  Lord ;  who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born 
of  the  Virgin  Mary;  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate, 
was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried ;  the  third  day  he  rose 
again  from  the  dead;  he  ascended  into  heaven,  and 
sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty; 
from  thence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the 


36  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [no.  II. 

dead ;  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  the  holy  catholic 
Church,  the  communiou  of  saiuts;  the  forgiveness'  of 
sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the  body ;  and  the  life  ever- 
lastinn-.     Amen. 


SECTION  IX. 

OF   DEATH   AND   JUDGMENT. 

Q.  AVhat  is  death  ? 

A.  The  separation  of  the  soul  from  the  body. 

Q.  Will  all  men  die  ? 

A.  All  but  those  who  shall  be  alive  at  Christ's  second 
coming  to  judge  the  world. 

Q.  Is  it  not  a  fearful  thing  to  die  ? 

A.  It  is  to  all  but  true  Christians. 

Q.  Why  is  it  not  a  fearful  thing  for  them  to  die  ? 

A.  Because  sin,  which  is  the  sting  of  death,  is  taken 
away  from  them,  and  because  they  know  that  after 
death  they  shall  go  to  heaven. 

1  Cor.  XV.  55,  57.  0  death,  where  is  thy  stinj??  0  grave,  where 
is  thy  victory?  Thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Clirist. 

2  Cor.  V.  1.  For  we  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of  this 
tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of  God,  a  house 
not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the. heavens. 

Q.   When  will  Christ  appear  to  judge  the  world  ? 

A.  When  all  the  prophecies  in  the  holy  word  of 
God  shall  have  been  accomplished,  and  the  gospel  shall 
have  been  preached  to  all  nations. 

Matt.  V.  18.  Till  heaven  and  earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle 
shall  in  nowise  pass  from  the  law,  till  all  be  fulfilled. 

Malt.  xxiv.  14.  And  this  gospel  of  the  kingdom  shall  be 
preached  in  all  the  world  for  a  witness  unto  all  nations;  and  then 
shall  the  end  come. 

Q.  In  what  manner  will  Christ  come  to  judge  the 
world  ? 

A.  Suddenly,  and  in  pomp  and  great  glory. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  37 

1  Thess.  V.  2.    The  day  of  the  Lord  so  cometh  as  a  thief  in  the  -> 
night. 

Rev.  1.  7.  Behold,  he  cometh  with  clouds ;  and  every  ej'e  shall 
see  hrm,  and  they  also  which  pierced  him  ;  and  all  kindreds  of  the 
earth  shall  wail  because  of  him. 

1  Thess.  iv,  IG.  For  the  Lord  himself  shall  descend  from  heaven 
with  a  shout,  with  the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump 
of  God. 

Q.  Will  all  m6n  be  brought  before  him  to  be  judged  ? 

A.  They  will )  not  only  those  who  are  alive  at  his 
coming,  but  all  the  dead  shall  be  raised  up  and  stand 
before  him. 

Acts  xxiv.  15.  There  shall  be  a  resurrection  of  the  dead,  both 
of  the  just  and  the  unjust. 

Rev.  XX.  12.  I  saw  the  dead,  small  and  great,  stand  before 
God  ;  and  the  books  were  opened  ;  and  another  book  was  opened, 
which  is  the  book  of  life  ;  and  the  dead  were  judged  out  of  those 
things  which  were  written  in  the  books,  according  to  their  works. 

Q.  How  will  Christ  the  Judge  dispose  of  men,  and- 
deal  with  them,  at  the  day  of  judgment? 

A.  He  will  place  the  righteous  on  his  right  hand, 
and  the  wicked  on  his  left. 

Matt.  XXV.  32,  33.  He  shall  separate  them  one  from  another,  as 
a  shepherd  dividetli  his  sheep  from  the  goats,  and  he  shall  set  the 
sheep  on  his  right  hand,  but  the  goats  on  his  left. 

Q.  Will  all  the  actions  of  men  be  brought  into 
judgment? 

A.  God  will  bring  every  work  into  judgment,  with 
every  secret  thing,  whether  it  be  good,  or  whether  it 
be  evil.     Eccl.  xii.  14. 

Q.    What  sentence  will   Christ   pronounce   on    the 

wicked  ? 

A.  Matt.  XXV.  41.  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting 
fii-e,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels. 

Q.  What  sentence  will  he  pronounce  on  th'e  right- 
eous ? 

A.  Matt.  XXV.  34.  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the 
kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 

Q.  What  shall  then  take  place  ? 

A.  The  world  shall  be  destroyed  by  fire,  and  the 


38  r  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

wicked  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment,  but 
the  righteous  into  life  eternal  \  the  misery  of  the 
former,  and  the  happiness  of  the  latter,  being  equally 
endless. 

Rev.  xx.  11.  I  saw  a  great  white  throne,  and  him  that  sat  on  it, 
from  -whose  face  the  earth  "and  the  heaven  fled  away;  and  there 
was  found  no  place  for  them. 

2  Pet.  iii.  10.  The  heavens  shall  pass  away  with  a  great  noise, 
and  the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat:  the  earth  also,  and 
the  works  that  are  therein,  shall  be  burned  up. 

Ps.  ix.  17.     The  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  tli$ ' 
nations  that  forget  God. 

Rev.  xxi.  4.  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes; 
and  there  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorrow  nor  crying, 
neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain ;  for  the  former  things  are 
passed  away. 

My  dear  child,  consider  what  has  just  been  said; 
think  upon  all  these  serious  things ;  and,  as  you  are 
exhorted  by  the  holy  Apostle  Peter,  ''  Be  diligent,  that 
you  may  be  found  of  him  in  peace,  without  spot  and 
blameless;"  for,  "seeing  all  these  things  shall  be  dis- 
solved, what  manner  of  persons  ought  we  to  be  in  all 
holy  conversation  and  godliness  ?" 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN  CATECHISM.  39 


APPENDIX  TO  No.  II. 


A   SHORT   CATECHISM    OF   SCRIPTURE    HISTORY. 


(1.)     THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT. 

Q.  How  long  was  God  in  making  the  world? 

A.  He  made  it  by  his  word  in  the  space  of  six  days, 
and  he  rested  on  the  seventh,  and  called  that  day  holy. 

Q.  Who  were  the  first  man  and  woman  that  God 
made  ? 

A.  Adam  and  Eve. 

Q.  In  what  state  did  God  make  them  ? 

A.  God  made  them  in  his  own  likeness,  in  a  holy 
and  happy  state. 

Q.  How  did  they  behave  themselves  ?  Did  they 
continue  in  this  state  ? 

A.  They  did  not;  for  they  sinned  against  God  by 
eating  of  the  fruit  of  a  certain  tree,  which  God  had 
forbidden  them  on  pain  of  death. 

Q.  How  came  they  to  eat  of  this  fruit  ? 

A.  The  devil  persuaded  Eve  to  eat  of  it,  and  she 
persuaded  Adam. 

Q.  What  mischief  followed  from  hence  ? 

A.  Sin  and  death  were  brought  into  this  world  by 
Adam's  disobedience,  and  spread  among  all  his 
children. 


40  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  II. 

Q.  "Were  Adam's  children  all  sinners  ? 

A.  All  of  tlicm  were  born  in  sin  ;  but  there  were 
some  in  those  early  times  who  learned  to  know  and 
worship  the  Lord. 

Q.  L)id  the  knowledge  and  worship  of  God  abide  in 
their  families  ? 

A.  In  the  following  ages  all  mankind  grew  so  bad, 
that  God  drowned  the  world  by  a  flood  of  water. 

Q.   Who  was^aved  when  the  world  was  drowned  1 

A.  Noah,  a  righteous  man,  was  saved,  with  all  his 
family,  and  a  few  living  creatures  of  everj"^  kind. 

Q.  How  was  Noah  saved  '/ 

A.  In  an  ark,  or  great  vessel  of  wood,  which  Gro.d 
taught  him  to  build. 

Q.  Who  were  the  sons  of  Noah  ? 

A.  Shem,  Ham,  and  Japheth;  and  by  them  the  world 
was  peopled  after  the  flood. 

Q.  Who  was  the  most  eminent  servant  of  God  in  the 
family  of  Shem  ? 

A.  Abraham,  who  was  called  the  father  of  believers, 
and  the  friend  of  God. 

Q.  Why  was  he  called  the  father,  that  is,  the  pattern 
of  believers  ? 

A.  Because  he  believed  certain  promises  of  God, 
though  contrary  to  the  present  appearance  of  things. 

Q.  What  were  those  promises  '/ 

A.  1.  That  he  should  have  a  son  when  he  was  a 
hundred  years  old;  2.  That  his  children  should  possess 
the  land  of  Canaan,  wherein  he  had  not  a  foot  of 
ground;  and,  3.  That  all  nations  should  be  blessed  by 
his  offspring,  that  is,  Christ.  -  . 

Q.  Why  was  Abraham  called  the  friend  of  God  ? 

A.  Because  God  made  many  visits  to  him,  and  he 
was  very  obedient  to  God. 

Q.  What  was  the  first  great  instance  of  Abraham's 
obedience? 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECniSM.  41 

A.  He  left  his  own  country  at  God's  command^  not 
knowing  whither  he  was  to  go. 

Q.  Give  another  great  instance  of  Abraham's  obe- 
dience ? 

A.  He  was  ready  to  offer  up  in  sacrifice  his  beloved 
fton  Isaac  at  the  command  of  God. 

Q.  Was  Isaac  a  good  man  ? 

A.  He  was;  for  he  feared  the  God  of  his  father 
Abraham,  and  he  went  out  to  pray  and  meditate  in 
the  fields. 

Q.  Who  were  Isaac's  two  sons  ? 

A.  Esau  the  eldest,  and  Jacob  the  youngest. 

Q.  What  is  remarkable  concerning  Esau  ? 

A.  He  despised  the  privilege  of  being  the  first-born, 
and  sold  it  to  Jacob  for  a  mess  of  pottage. 

Q.  What  is  written  concerning  Jacob  ? 

A.  He  obtained  his  father's  blessing  by  deceit;  as 
well  as  his  brother's  birthright  by  craft. 

Q.   Why  was  his  name  called  Israel  ? 

A.  Because  he  afterward  became  a  very  good  man, 
and  prevailed  in  obtaining  a  blessing  from  God,  for 
which  he  had  prayed. 

Q.   How  many  sons  had  Jacob,  or  Israel  ? 

A.  Twelve ;  who  were  called  the  twelve  patriarchs 
or  fathers  of  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel. 

Q.  Who  was  the  most  flmious  of  Israel's  sons  ? 

A.  Joseph,  whom  his  brethren  sold  into  Egypt,  and 
he  afterward  became  the  ruler  of  the  land  under  Pha- 
raoh the  king. 

Q.  Did  not  he  then  revenge  himself  upon  his 
brethren  ? 

A.  He  did  not;  but  sent  for  them  and  their  families, 
together  with  his  father,  in  the  time  of  famine,  and  fed 
them  all  in  the  land  of  Egypt. 

,  Q.  Did  the  families  of  Israel  continue  to  dwell  in 
Egypt? 

A.'  They  did^  till  another  Pharaoh,  king  of  Egypt, 


42  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  ir. 

made  slaves  of  them,  and  drowned  their  male  chil- 
dren; and  then  God  delivered  them  bj  the  hand  of 
Moses. 

Q.  Who  was  this  Moses  ? 

A.  He  was  one  of  the  children  of  Israel,  who  was 
wondrously  saved  from  drowning  by  Pharaoh's  own 
daughter,  when  he  was  a  child. 

Q.  How  did  God  appoint  him  to  deliver  Israel? 

A.  God  appeared  to  him  in  a  burning  bush,  as  he 
was  keeping  sheep,  and  sent  him  to  Pharaoh  to  bid 
him  let  Israel  go. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  do  to  prove  that  God  had  sent 
him? 

A.  He  wrought  several  miracles,  or  signs  and  won- 
ders, in  the  sight  of  Pharaoh. 

Q.  How  did  Moses  at  last  deliver  the  people  from 
their  slavery  ? 

A.  When  Pharaoh  refused  to  let  the  people  go,  God 
gave  him  power  to  smite  Egypt  with  many  plagues. 

Q.  What  was  the  last  of  those  plagues  which  pro- 
cured the  release  of  Israel  ? 

A.  An  angel  destroyed  all  the  first-born  of  the  Egyp- 
tians in  one  night,  but  he  passed  over  and  did  not  hurt 
any  of  the  families  of  Israel. 

Q.  How  was  this  kept  in  remembrance  in  following 
ages? 

A.  God  appointed  the  yearly  sacrifice  of  a  lamb  in 
every  family,  which  was  called  the  feast  of  the  pass- 
over. 

Q.  When  Pharaoh  let  Israel  go  out  of  Egypt,  how 
did  they  get  over  the  Red  Sea  ? 

A.  Moses,  with  his  rod,  divided  the  waters  of  the 
sea  asunder,  and  the  people  went  through  upon  dry 
ground. 

Q.  What  became  of  the  Egyptians  that  followed 
them  ? 

A.  When  Moses  stretched  his  hand  over  the  sea, 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  "     43 

the  waters  returned  upon  the  Egyptians,  and  they  were 
all  drowned. 

Q.  Whither  did  the  children  of  Israel  go  then  ? 
A.  They  went  through  the  wilderness  wheresoever 
God  guided  them,  by  a  pillar  of  cloud  in  the  day-time, 
and  a  pillar  of  fire  in  the  night. 

Q.  IIow  long  was  it  before  they  came  to  the  land  of 
Canaan,  which  God  promised  ? 

A.  They  wandered  forty  years  in  the  wilderness  for 
their  sins. 

Q.   What  did  they  eat  all  that  time  ? 
A.  God  fed  them  with  manna,  or  bread  that  came 
down  every  night  from  heaven. 

Q.  What  did  they  drink  in  the  wilderness  ? 
A.  Moses  smote  on  the  rock  with  his  rod,  and  waters 
gushed  out  in  a  river  that  followed  them. 
■  •    Q.  What  were  the  laws  which  God  gave  the  Israel- 
ites, when  he  chose  them  for  his  own  people  ? 

A.  Some  general  laws  that  related  to  their  behavior 
as  men,  some  special  rules  relating  to  their  religion  as 
a  Church,  and  others  about  their  government  as  a 
nation. 

Q.  What  were  the  general  laws  which  related  to 
their  behavior  as  men  ? 

A.  Those  laws  which  are  commonly  called  moral, 
and  which  belong  to  all  mankind  :  those  are  chiefly 
contained  in  the  ten  commandments. 

Q.  In  what  manner  was  this  moral  law,  or  ten  com- 
mandments, given  them  ? 

A.  God  spake  it  to  them  from  Mount  Sinai,  with 
thunder  and  lightning,  and  then  wrote  it  for  them  on 
two  tables  of  stone. 

Q.  What  were  the  special  laws  which  God  gave  them 
relating  to  their  religion  as  a  Church  ? 

A.  Many  rules  about  the  worship  of  God,  about 
their  priests  and  sacrifices,  about  sprinkling  with  blood, 


44  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO,  II. 

and  washing  witli  water,  and  about  holy  times  and  holy 
places. 

Q.  What  was  the  chief  design  of  these  ceremonies? 

A.  Partly  to  keep  them  from  the  idolatry  and  evil 
customs  of  other  nations,  and  partly  to  prefigure  the 
blessings  of  Christ  and  the  gospel. 

Q.  What  were  their  peculiar  laws,  considered  as  a 
nation  ? 

A.  Such  as  related  to  their  peace  and  wars,  to  their 
houses  and  lands,  to  their  wives  and  servants,  to  their 
lives  and  limbs. 

Q.  Why  did  God  himself  give  them  such  particular 
rules  about  these  common  things? 

A.  To  distinguish  them  from  all  other  nations  as 
God's  own  people,  and  to  show  that  he  was  their  king 
as  well  as  their  God. 

Q.  Were  the  people  of  Israel  obedient  to  God  in 
their  travels  through  the  wilderness  ? 

A.  They  sinned  grievously  against  him;  and  they 
were  often  punished  by  the  hand  of  God,  but  he  would 
not  utterly  destroy  them. 

Q.  Who  brought  them  into  the  land  of  Canaan,, 
after  their  forty  years'  wandering  in  the  wilderness  ? 

A.  Moses  being  dead,  Joshua  (whose  name  is  the 
same  with  Jesus)  brous^ht  them  into  the  promised 
land. 

Q.  Did  the  Israelites  behave  themselves  better  when 
they  were  come  to  Canaan  ? 

A.  They  frequently  fell  into  idolatry,  and  wor- 
shipped the  false  gods  of  the  nations  round  about 
them, 

Q.  In  what  manner  did  God  show  his  displeasure 
for  this  sin  ? 

A.  He  gave  them  up  sometimes  into  the  hands  of 
their  enemies,  who  plundered  them  and  made  slaves  of 
them. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  45 

Q.  How  did  God  deliver  them  from  tlie  hands  of 
their  enemies  ? 

A.  When  they  cried  to  the  Lord,  he  raised  up 
judges  who  subdued  their  enemies,  and  delivered  the 
people. 

Q.  What  were  the  names  of  some  of  the  chief  of 
those  judges? 

A.  Gideon  and  Jephthah,  Samson,  Eli,  and  Samuel. 

Q.  Who  governed  the  people  of  Israel  after  the 
judges  ? 

A.  They  desired  a  king,  like  other  nations,  and  God 
bade  Samuel  anoint  Saul  to  be  the  first  of  their 
kings. 

Q.  How  did  Saul  behave  himself? 

A.  He  governed  well  for  a  little  time,  but  afterward 
he  rebelled  against  God,  and  God  removed  him. 

Q.  AVhat  became  of  Saul  at  last  ? 

A.  Being  forsaken  of  God,  and  being  wounded  in 
battle  by  the  Philistines,  he  fell  on  his  own  sword  and 
died. 

Q.  Who  was  the  second  king  of  Israel? 

A.  David,  who  was  raised  to  the  kingdom  from  keep- 
ing sheep. 

Q.  What  was  David's  character  ? 

A.  He  was  a  prophet,  and  the  man  after  God's  own 
heart,  who  delivered  Israel  from  their  enemies,  and 
ruled  them  well. 

Q.  But  was  not  David  guilty  of  some  great  sins  ? 

A.  He  was;  and  God  punished  him  for  them  in  the 
great  troubles  he  met  with  in  his  family. 

Q.  Who  was  the  third  king  of  Israel  ? 

A.  Solomon,  the  son  of  David,  who  was  the  wisest 
of  men. 

Q.  What  did  Solomon  do  for  God  and  for  the 
people  ? 

A.  He  built  a  very  splendid  temple  for  the  worship 
of  God  at  Jerusalem. 


46  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

Q.  What  became  of  the  people  of  Israel  in  the  fol- 
lowing ages  ? 

A.  They  were  divided  into  two  kingdoms,  which 
were  called  the  kingdom  of  Judah^  and  the  kingdom 
of  Israel. 

Q.  How  did  they  behave  themselves  toward  God 
after  this  division  ? 

A.  Most  of  their  kings,  as  well  as  the  people,  pro- 
voked God  by  their  idols,  and  their  great  wickedness. 

Q.  IIow  did  God  punish  them  for  their  crimes? 

A.  When  they  would  not  hearken  to  the  prophets 
which  God  sent  among  them,  they  were  carried  away 
captive  by  their  enemies  into  the  land  of  Assyria. 

Q.  Did  they  never  return  again  to  their  own  land  ? 

A.  After  seventy  years'  captivity  the  tribe  of  Judah  • 
returned,  with  many  of  Benjamin  and  Levi,  and  they 
were  all  called  Jews. 

Q.   What  did  they  do  at  their  return  ? 

A.  They  built  the  city  of  Jerusalem  and  the  temple 
again,  and  they  set  up  the  worship  of  the  true  God. 

Q.  Did  they  continue  afterward  to  obey  God,  and 
dwell  in  their  own  land  ? 

A.  Though  they  were  guilty  of  many  sins,  they 
never  fell  into  the  worship  of  idols  again;  nor  were 
they  ever  wholly  driven  again  out  of  their  own  land 
till  after  the  comino;  of  the  Messiah  the  Saviour. 


(2.)     THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 

Q.  Who  is  the  Messiah,  the  Saviour  of  mankind  ? 

A.  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  who  was  sent  down 
from  heaven  to  save  sinners. 

Q.  How  did  he  come  into  the  world  ? 

A.  God  prepared  a  body  .for  him,  which  he  assumed, 
beino;  born  of  a  woman. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  47 

Q.  What  notices  were  given  of  the  coming  of  Christ 
the  Saviour? 

A.  Many  promises  had  been  given  of  him  in  former 
ages  by  the  prophets,  and  more  lately  by  an  angel. 

Q.  What  did  the  prophets  foretell  concerning  the 
coming  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Among  many  other  things,  they  declared  that  a 
Saviour  should  be  born  of  the  stock  of  Abraham,  of 
the  house  of  David,  and  in  the  town  of  Bethlehem. 

Q.  How  did  an  angel  give  notice  of  his  coming  ? 

A.  The  angel  Gabriel  foretold  the  birth  of  John  the 
Baptist  to  prepare  the  way  of  Christ,  and  he  told  the 
mother  of  Jesus  that  she  should  bring  forth  the  Son 
of  God. 

Q.  Who  was  the  mother  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Mary,  a  virgin  of  the  house  of  David. 

Q.  Who  was  the  supposed  father  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Joseph  the  carpenter  was  supposed  to  be  his 
father,  because  he  married  his  mother  Mary. 

Q.  What  further  witness  was  given  to  Christ  in  his 
infancy  ? 

A.  By  angels  from  heaven,  by  wise  men  from  the 
east,  by  Simeon  in  the  temple,  and  by  Anna,  the  pro- 
phetess. 

Q.  How  did  the  angels  bear  witness  to  him  ? 

A.  They  sung  praises  to  God  in  the  air  at  his  birth, 
and  told  the  shepherds  that  they  should  find  the  child 
Jesus  in  a  manger  at  Bethlehem. 

Q.  What  witness  did  the  wise  men  of  the  east  bear 
to  Jesus  ? 

A.  They  saw  a  strange  star  in  the  east,  which  led 
them  to  the  house  where  the  infant  lay,  and  they  came 
and  worshipped  him. 

Q.  What  honor  did  Simeon  do  him  in  the  temple  ? 

A.  He  was  an  old  man,  yet  God  assured  him  that 
he  should  see  the  Saviour  before  he  died ;    and  he 


48  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

took  Jesus  in  his  arms,  and  acknowledged  liim  to  be 
the  Christ. 

Q.  When  did  Christ  begin  his  public  ministry  ? 

A.  At  thirty  years  of  age  he  came  forth  and  was 
baptized  by  John,  who  was  sent  from  God  to  preach 
and  to  baptize  with  water. 

Q.  What  was  the  doctrine  which  John  the  Baptist 
preached  ? 

A,  He  reproved  sinners;  he  preached  repentance 
and  the  forgiveness  of  sins ;  and  he  directed  his  dis- 
ciples to  Jesus  as  the  Saviour. 

Q.  What  became  of  John  the  Baptist  at  last  ? 

A.  He  was  beheaded  by  Herod  at  the  wicked  re- 
quest of  his  niece,  when  she  had  pleased  him  with  her 
fine  dancing. 

Q.  What  honor  was  done  to  Christ  at  his  baptism  ? 

A.  The  Spirit  of  God,  like  a  dove,  descended  upon 
him,  and  a  voice  came  from  heaven,  saying,  This  is 
my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased. 

Q.  What  became  of  Christ  immediately  after  his 
baptism  ? 

A.  He  was  forty  days  in  the  wilderness,  where  h6 
endured  the  temptations  of  the  devil,  and  overcame 
the  tempter. 

Q.  What  were  the  chief  parts  of  the  ministry  of 
Christ  in  his  life  ? 

A.  These  five,  namely :  1.  He  fulfilled  the  whole 
law,  and  gave  us  a  perfect  example  of  piety  towards 
God,  and  goodness  to  men. 

2.  He  preached  to  the  people  his  divine  doctrine 
which  he  brought  from  heaven. 

3.  He  wrought  miracles  to  prove  that  he  was  sent 
from  God. 

4.  He  chose  out  his  apostles,  and  trained  them  up 
for  their  public  sei-vice. 

5.  He  appointed  two  lasting  ordinances  in  his 
Church. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEY  AN    CATECHISM.  49 

Q.  Wherein  did  he  give  an  example  of  piety  toward 
God? 

A.  In  his  constant  obedience  to  God  his  Father  in 
all  things,  and  in  his  zeal  for  God's  honor  among  men, 
and  in  his  frequent  converse  with  God  in  prayer. 

Q.  Wherein  did  he  show  a  pattern  of  goodness  to- 
ward men  ? 

A.  He  went  about  doing  good  to  the  bodies  and 
souls  of  men ;  he  was  full  of  compassion  to  the  miser- 
able; and  he  took  children  in  his  arms  and  blessed 
them. 

Q.  What  were  the  chief  subjects  of  Christ's  preach- 
ing to  the  people  ? 

A.  These  six  things  : — 1.  He  explained  the  law  of 
God  to  the  people,  and  showed  them  that  it  required 
holiness  in  their  thoughts,  as  well  as  in  their  words  and 
actions. 

2.  He  reproved  and  condemned  many  for  their  sin- 
ful and  foolish  traditions,  and  taught  them  that  God 
did  not  regard  ceremonies,  so  much  as  the  great  duties 
of  love  to  God  and  love  to  men. 

3.  He  preached  the  gospel  of  pardon  of  sin  and 
eternal  life  in  heaven,  to  them  that  repent  and  believe 
in  him. 

4.  He  threatened  the  eternal  punishment  of  hell  to 
all  wilful  and  obstinate  sinners,  particularly  to  hypo- 
crites and  unbelievers. 

5.  He  sometimes  declared  and  maintained  his  own 
commission,  that  he  was  sent  from  God  to  be  the  Sa- 
viour of  men. 

6.  He  foretold  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  the  dis- 
persion of  the  Jews,  and  his  own  second  coming  in 
glory,  to  raise  the  dead,  and  to  judge  the  world. 

Q.  What  were  the  chief  miracles  which  he  wrought 
to  prove  that  he  was  sent  from  God  ? 

A.  Such  as  these  : — 1.  He  fed  many  thousand  per- 
sons twice  with  a  very  few  loaves  and  fishes. 


50  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  If. 

2.  He  gave  sight  to  tlie  blind,  and  hearing  to  the 
deaf;  he  made  the  dumb  to  speak,  the  lame  to  walk'j 
and  healed  all  manner  of  diseases  by  a  word. 

3.  He  commanded  evil  spirits  to  depart  out  of  the 
bodies  of  many  whom  they  had  possessed. 

4.  He  raised  several  persons  from  the  dead,  and  one 
(namely,  Lazarus)  out  of  the  grave. 

Q.  How  did  he  train  up  his  apostles  for  their  public 


service 


A.  In  these  four  ways : — 1.  He  explained  to  them 
in  private  what  he  taught  the  people  by  parables  and 
similitudes  in  public. 

2.  He  told  them  more  plainly  that  he  was  the 
Messiah,  the  Saviour  of  the  world,  and  that  he  should 
die  as  a  ransom  for  sinners,  and  rise  again  the  third  day. 

3.  He  prayed  with  them  often,  and  taught  them  to 
pray. 

4.  He  promised  them  to  send  the  Spirit  of  God 
after  his  departure,  to  fit  them  for  their  public  service. 

Q.  What  were  the  two  ordinances  which  Christ  ap- 
pointed in  his  Church  ? 

A.  He  appointed  baptism  and  the  Lord's  supper,  to 
continue  to  the  end  of  the  world. 

Q.  Thus  we  have  heard  how  Jesus  lived :  let  us 
hear  now  in  what  manner  he  died. 

A.  He  was  meek  and  patient,  and  resigned  to  the 
will  of  God  in  suflfering  and  dying. 

Q.  What  were  his  sharpest  sufferings  ? 

A.  The  anguish  which  he  endured  in  his  soul  in  the 
garden,  just  before  his  death,  which  made  him  sweat 
as  it  were  great  drops  of  blood. 

Q.  What  kind  of  death  did  he  die  ? 

A.  He  was  crucified  :  that  is,  his  hands  and  feet 
were  nailed  to  a  wooden  cross,  and  there  he  hung  till 
he  died  in  extreme  pain. 

Q.  When  Jesus  Christ  had  honored  God  so  much  in 
his  life,  how  came  he  to  die  so  shameful  a  death  ? 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  51 

A.  He  was  appointed  of  God  to  be  a  sacrifice  to  take 
away  the  sins  of  men,  who  had  deserved  to  die. 

Q.  But  what  reason  had  men  to  kill  him  ? 

A.  No  just  reason  at  all ;  but  the  teachers  and  rulers 
of  the  Jews  hated  his  doctrine  and  reproofs,  and  were 
much  enraged  to  see  the  people  follow  him. 

Q.  How  did  they  lay  hold  of  Jesus  ? 

A.  They  bribed  Judas,  one  of  his  apostles,  to  betray 
him  into  the  hands  of  their  officers,  and  he  led  them 
to  his  Master  by  night,  and  showed  which  was  he  by 
kissing  him. 

Q.  Did  none  of  the  disciples  defend  their  Lord  and 
Master? 

A.  Peter  at  first  defended  him  with  the  sword ;  but 
afterward  his  courage  failed  him  so  far  as  to  cause  him 
to  deny  that  he  knew  him. 

Q.  Did  Peter  continue  in  his  sin,  or  did  he  re- 
pent? 

A.  Jesus  cast  his  eye  upon  him,  and  he  repented 
and  wept  bitterly, 

Q.  Who  condemned  Christ  to  die  ? 

A.  Caiaphas,  the  high-priest,  condemned  him  as 
worthy  of  death  j  and  Pontius  Pilate,  the  lloman  gov- 
ernor, at  the  desire  of  the  Jews,  gave  him  up  to  be 
nailed  to  the  cross. 

Q.  Was  he  crucified  immediately,  or  did  he  suffer 
other  injuries  before  his  death? 

A.  He  was  mocked,  he  was  spit  upon,  he  was 
crowned  with  thorns,  he  was  scourged,  and  wickedly 
abused. 

Q.  In  what  company  was  he  crucified  ? 

A.  He  was  crucified  in  a  most  shameful  manner, 
between  two  thieves,  as  if  he  had  been  the  chief  of 
sinners. 

Q.  What  miracles  attended  his  death  ? 

A.  The  sun  was  darkened  at  noon  for  three  hours 
together;    there   was   an    earthquake   which    opened 


52  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

many  graves ;  and  the  Tail  of  the  temple  was  rent  in 
two  pieces. 

Q.   Who  took  care  of  his  burial  ? 

A.  Joseph  of  Arimathea,  a  rich  man  and  one  of  his 
disciples,  buried  him  in  his  own  new  tomb ;  and  Pilate 
and  the  Jews  set  a  guard  of  soldiers  about  it. 

Q.  When  did  he  rise  from  the  dead  ? 

A.  On  the  first  day  of  the  week,  after  he  had  lain 
three  days  in  the  grave,  that  is,  part  of  three  days. 

Q.  To  whom  did  he  appear  after  his  rising  again  ? 

A.  He  appeared  many  times  to  his  disciples;  he  ate, 
and  drank,  and  talked  with  them,  and  gave  them  most 
certain  proof  of  his  resurrection. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  tarry  on  the  earth  after  his 
rising  from  the  dead  ? 

A.  He  tarried  forty  days,  conversing  with  his  apos- 
tles, and  instructing  them  further  in  the  gospel,  and 
in  the  doctrines  and  rules  of  the  kino'dom. 

o 

Q.  How  did  he  go  up  to  heaven  ? 

A.  When  he  had  given  his  apostles  their  commission 
to  preach  the  gospel  to  all  nations,  and  blessed  them, 
they  saw  him  carried  up  to  heaven. 

Q.  What  did  the  disciples  do  when  the  Lord  had 
left  them  ? 

A.  They  returned  to  Jerusalem,  and  waited  for  the 
Spirit  of  God  to  come  upon  them,  according  to  the 
promise  of  Christ. 

Q.  What  was  the  first  thing  they  did  toward  their 
public  work  ? 

A.  They  chose  Matthias,  by  prayer  and  by  lot,  to  be 
an  apostle  in  the  room  of  Judas  the  traitor. 

Q.  What  became  of  Judas  ? 

A.  When  he  saw  that  Christ  was  condemned,  he 
went  and  hanged  himself,  and,  falling  down,  his  bowels 
gushed  out. 

Q.  W^hen  did  the  Spirit  of  God  come  upon  the 
apostles  and  other  disciples  ? 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  53 

A.  At  the  feast  of  Pentecost,  wliicli  was  about  ten 
days  after  Christ  went  to  heaven. 

Q.  In  what  manner  did  the  Spirit  of  God  come  upon 
them  ? 

A.  A  noise,  like  a  rushing  wind,  filled  the  house 
where  they  were  met,  and  cloven  tongues  like  as  of  fire 
sat  upon  them. 

Q.  What  was  the  first  remarkable  efi'ect  of  the  com- 
ing of  the  Spirit  of  God  among  them  ? 

A.  Each  of  them  was  enabled  to  preach  the  gospel 
in  strange  languages. 

Q.  What  was  the  doctrine  they  preached  ? 

A.  That  Jesus,  who  was  crucified,  was  the  Messiah  : 
that  is,  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Saviour  of 
men ;  and  that  sinners  who  repent  and  believe  in  his 
name  should  be  saved. 

Q.  What  success  had  their  preaching  ? 

A.  Three  thousand  were  converted  and  baptized  in 
one  day,  and  a  great  multitude  afterward. 

Q.  What  miracles  did  they  work  to  confirm  their 
doctrine  ? 

A.  Some  that  were  cripples  had  the  use  of  their 
limbs  given  them  ;  multitudes  of  sick  were  healed  by 
them;  some  persons  were  struck  dead,  and  others 
raised  to  life. 

Q.  Had  not  other  believers  in  Christ  power  to  work 
miracles  also? 

A.  They  had ;  Jesus  Christ  communicated  very 
great  gifts  and  powers  to  them^  by  the  laying  on  of  the 
hands  of  the  apostles. 

Q.  Were  not  the  apostles  greatly  persecuted  ? 

A.  They  were  put  in  prison  by  the  high-priest  j 
they  were  beaten  by  order  of  the  council ;  James,  the 
brother  of  John,  was  slain  by  Herod ;  and  Peter  was 
put  in  prison  again  in  order  to  be  put  to  death. 

Q.  Did  God  give  them  any  miraculous  deliver- 
ances ? 


5-4:  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  II. 

A.  Several  times  when  the  apostles  were  imprisoned 
they  were  released  by  angels. 

Q.  Who  was  one  of  the  chief  persecutors  of  the 
Christians  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Saul,  a  young  man,  a  zealous  Pharisee,  who  was 
afterwards  called  Paul. 

Q.  Did  he  live  and  die  a  persecutor  ? 

A.  He  did  not;  for  he  was  struck  down  to  the 
ground,  as  he  was  going  to  Damascus  to  imprison  the 
Christians,  while  a  great  light  shone  round  about  him, 
and  Jesus  Christ  called  him  with  a  voice  from  heaven. 

Q.  What  is  afterward  related  of  him  ? 

A.  That  he  became  a  zealous  preacher  of  the 
gospel ;  he  was  made  the  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  and 
spent  his  days  in  travelling  to  convert  the  heathen 
nations. 

Q.  What  became  of  Paul  at  last  ? 

A.  After  he  had  done  more  service  for  Christ  by  J 
preaching  and  writing  than  any  of  the  other  apostles,  ; 
and  endured  more  sufferings  in  his  life,  he  was  put  to 
death  at  Rome  as  a  martyr  for  Christ, 

Q.  Is  there  any  further  account  given  of  Peter? 

A.  When  he  had  laid  out  his  life  in  preaching  the 
gospel,  and  had  written  letters  to  the  Christians,  he ! 
was  crucified  in  his  old  age,  as  Christ  foretold  to  him.  | 

Q.  What  is  recorded  concerning  John  the  apostle?! 

A.  After  many  labors  in  the  ministry,  he  was  ban- 
ished to  the  isle  of  Patmos,  where  Jesus  Christ  ap- 
peared to  him  in  visions,  and  instructed  him  by  his 
angel  to  write  the  book  of  the  Revelation. 

Q.  What  became  of  the  other  apostles  ? 

A.  They  went  into  different  places  preaching  the 
gospel,  and  most  of  them  were  put  to  death  for  the 
sake  of  Christ. 


1 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  55 


EXAMPLES  OF  PRAYER. 


COMPOSED   FOR   CHILDREN    FROM    SEVEN    YEARS    OLD 
TO   TEN    OR   TWELVE. 


THE   child's   DAILY  MORNING  PRAYER. 

Great  and  gracious  God,  who  hast  created  all  things 
by  thy  power,  and  govcrnest  all  things  by  thy  wisdom, 
who  art  the  Author  of  all  our  blessings,  by  day  and 
night ;  I  give  thee  thanks  that  thou  hast  given  me  rest 
during  the  night  past,  and  that  I  am  brought  to  sec 
another  morning. 

Blessed  be  thy  goodness  for  my  health,  for  my  food 
and  raiment,  for  the  love  of  my  friends,  for  all  bless- 
ings in  this  life,  and  for  my  desire  to  attain  that  life 
which  is  immortal. 

0  God,  be  merciful  to  me  a  miserable  sinner,  for 
his  sake  whom  "  thou  hast  exalted  to  be  a  Prince  and 
a  Saviour,  to  give  repentance  and  forgiveness  of  sins. ^' 
Help  me  to  feel,  bewail,  and  forsake  my  offences ;  and 
may  I  never  want  the  comfortable  assurance  of  thy 
forgiveness  of  them,  and  of  thy  love  to  me,  in  the 
blessed  Son  of  thy  eternal  love. 

0  teach  me  to  know  thee,  my  God,  and  Jesus  Christ 
whom  thou  hast  sent.  Give  me  to  fear  thee  and  to 
love  thee,  to  trust  and  delight  in  thee,  and  to  hate  all 
evil.  Strengthen  me,  0  Lord,  with  thy  continued 
grace,  that  no  temptations  may  prevail  against  me ;  and 
that  I  through  this  day,  and  to  the  end  of  my  life,  may 


56  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  II. 

cleave  to  thee,  and  follow  thee  in  righteousness  of  life, 
in  lowliness  of  mind,  and  in  purity  of  heart. 

Bless  all  who  are  in  authority,  and  grant  that  we 
may  see  good  days  under  this  government.  May  thy 
holy  religion  spread  through  these  lands,  and  extend 
to  the  end  of  the  earth.  Be  gracious  to  all  who  are 
near  and  dear  to  us,  and  keep  us  all  in  thy  fear  and 
love,  that  we  may  be  so  united  to  thee  here,  as  not  to 
be  divided  when  thou  art  pleased  to  call  us  hence;  and 
may  we  dwell  with  thee  in  joy  that  shall  never  die, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  our  blessed  Lord  and  Saviour, 
who  hath  taught  us  when  we  pray  to  say,  Our 
Father^  etc. 


THE  CHILD  S  EVENING  PRAYER. 

0  Lord  our  Heavenly  Father,  who  hast  made  the 
night  for  us  to  take  our  rest,  I  pray  thee  look  down 
upon  me  while  I  sleep ;  for  if  thou  take  care  of  me,  I 
need  be  afraid  of  nothing. 

Accept  the  thanks  of  a  child  for  all  the  good  things 
I  have  this  day  received ;  and  as  I  lie  down  in  peace 
in  the  evening,  so  let  me  awake  and  rise  again  in  peace 
in  the  morning  to  serve  thee. 

1  implore  thy  tender  mercies  in  the  forgiveness  of 
all  my  sins,  by  which  I  have  offended  in  thought,  word, 
or  deed,  this  day.  Pardon  me,  0  Lord,  for  the  sake 
of  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  who  died  upon  the  cross,  that 
whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but  have 
everlasting  life  ]  and  adopt  me  into  thy  family  as  one 
of  thy  children. 

Give  me  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  purify  my  heart,  that  I 
may  entirely  love  thee,  and  rejoice  in  knowing  that  I 
am  loved  by  thee.  Help  me  to  honor  my  father  and 
mother,  to  obey  my  teacher  and  governors,  and  to  be 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  67 

kind  and  loving  to  all  men.  Provide,  0  Lord,  for  my 
future  wants  while  I  remain  in  this  world ;  and  may  I 
learn,  in  whatever  state  I  am,  therewith  to  be  content ; 
in  every  thing  giving  thanks  to  thy  name.  The  same 
blessings  I  ask  for  my  dear  relations  and  friends,  and 
for  all  mankind.  Let  thy  way  be  made  known  upon 
earth,  and  thy  saving  health  unto  all  nations.  Con- 
tinue thy  fatherly  care  over  us  this  night.  O  preserve 
and  bless  us,  and  may  no  evil  come  nigh  our  dwelling. 
Give  thy  beloved  sleep,  and  thus  strengthen  me  for 
thy  service ;  and  whenever  thou  callest  me  to  sleep  the 
sleep  of  death,  may  I  sleep  in  Jesus,  and  through  the 
riches  of  thy  grace,  and  his  worthiness,  awake  in  the 
morning  of  the  resurrection  to  join  the  redeemed  of 
the  Lord,  and  spend  the  day  of  eternity  in  the  pres- 
ence of  Jesus,  and  in  those  mansions  of  glory  which  he 
is  gone  to  prepare  for  all  that  love  him.  Unto  him  be 
praise,  and  honor,  and  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen.      Our  Father ^  etc. 


THE   CHILD  S    GRACE   BEFORE    MEAT. 

I  BESEECH  thee,  0  Lord,  that  the  food  which  thou 
providest  for  me  may  strengthen  me  to  perform  my 
daily  duties;  and  as  thou  preservest  my  life,  let  it  be 
spent  in  thy  fear,  for  the  sake  of  thy  Son,  our  blessed 
Saviour.     Amen. 


THE    child's   grace   AFTER   MEAT. 

Make  me  truly  thankful,  0  Lord,  for  my  daily  bread, 
and  for  other  mercies  which  I  receive.  And  help  me 
to  love  and  serve  thee,  the  Giver  of  all  good,  for  Jesus 
Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


58  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  II. 


QUESTIONS  AND  ANSWERS  IN  RHYME. 


No.  I. 


Question.  Who  made  you  child,  and  bade  j'ou  live? 

Answee.  God  did  my  life  and  spirit  give. 

Q.  Who  keeps  you  safely,  can  you  tell  ? 

A.  God  keeps  me  safe,  and  makes  me  well. 

Q.  How  has  God  shown  the  way  of  truth  ? 

A.  The  Bible  is  the  guide  of  youth. 

Q.  How  should  you  act  to  God  above  ? 

A.  With  fear  and  honor,  praise  and  love. 

Q.  Does  God  know  all  you  do  or  say  ? 

A.  Yes ;  and  my  thoughts  both  night  and  day. 

Q.  Have  you  an  evil  heart  within  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  I  was  even  born  in  sin. 

Q.  How  does  your  heart  its  badness  show  ? 

A.  By  sinful  words  and  actions  too. 

Q.  Is  not  God  angry  when  we  sin  ? 

A.  Yes ;  0  how  wicked  I  have  been ! 

Q.  What  do  our  sins  deserve  to  obtain  ? 

A.  Present  and  everlasting  pain. 

Q.  And  can  you  save  yourself  fz'om  woe  ? 

A.  I  cannot  save  myself,  I  know.  • 

Q.  Have  you  the  power  to  change  your  heart? 

A.  No;  'tis  so  prone  from  good  to  start. 

Q.  Who,  then,  can  peace  and  pardon  give  ? 

A.  Jesus,  who  died  that  we  might  live. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  59 

Q.  And  how  may  you  his  grace  receive? 

A.  In  Jesus  Christ  I  must  believe. 

Q.  Must  you  repent  with  humble  heart  ? 

A.  Yes ;  and  from  every  sin  depart. 

Q,  From  God  what  blessings  should  you  seek? 

A.  Lord,  save  my  soul  for  Jesus'  sake. 

Q.  Should  you  love  Christ,  who  was  so  good  ? 

A.  0  yes ;  with  all  my  heart  I  should. 

Q.  Did  Christ  become  a  little  child  ? 

A.  Yes ;  holy,  humble,  meek,  and  mild. 

Q.  What  did  his  early  history  show? 

A.  Jesus  in  strength  and  wisdom  grew. 

Q.  What  was  foretold  of  Jesus'  grace  ? 

A.  The  lambs  he'll  on  his  bosom  place. 

Q.  And  were  the  young  thus  loved  and  bless  'd  ? 

A.  Christ  took  and  clasped  them  to  his  breast. 

Q.  What  did  Christ  say,  though  young  we  be  ? 

A.  Let  little  children  come  to  me. 

Q.  Does  Christ  still  view  the  young  with  love  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  on  his  glorious  throne  above. 

Q.  How  should  a  child  begin  to  pray  ? 

A.  Lord,  teach  me  what  to  think  and  say. 

Q.  Will  God  regard  the  hymns  you  raise  ? 

A.  Yes;  Jesus  loves  an  infant's  praise. 

Q.  Who  only  can  direct  your  youth  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Spirit,  God  of  truth. 

Q.  Must  you  of  every  lie  beware  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  with  most  strict  and  constant  care. 

Q.  Must  you  all  evil  tempers  flee  ? 

A.  I  must  not  in  a  passion  be. 

Q.  Must  you  your  book  and  wisdom  prize  ? 

A.  Yes ;  I  must  be  both  good  and  wise. 


60  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  II. 

Q.  How  must  a  child  to  others  be  ? 

A.  As  I  would  have  them  be  to  me. 

Q.  What  must  you  to  your  parents  show  ? 

A.  Obedience,  love,  and  honor  too. 

Q.  What  must  your  brothers  in  you  find  ? 

A.  A  heai-t  that's  always  mild  and  kind. 

Q.  Must  you  your  sisters  always  love  ? 

A.  Yes ;  and  be  gentle  as  a  dove. 

Q.  How  must  you  act  to  all  you  know  ? 

A.  I  must  all  love  and  kindness  show. 

Q.  Do  little  children  often  die  ? 

A.  Yes ;  quite  as  young  and  strong  as  I. 

Q.  Will  Jesus  judge  the  "small  and  great?" 

A.  Yes  ;  and  will  fix  their  endless  state. 

Q.  Where  shall  the  wicked  sinner  dwell  ? 

A.  With  everlasting  flames  in  hell. 

Q.  What  should  you  wish  if  called  to  die  ? 

A.  To  be  with  Christ  above  the  sky. 

Q.  Where  will  good  children  ever  be  ? 

A.  In  heaven,  their  Saviour  Christ  to  see. 


No.  11. 

Q.  Who  made  you  ? 

A.  'T  was  God  who  made  my  infant  frame : 
'T  was  God  from  whom  my  spirit  came. 

Q.  Who  takes  care  of  you  ? 

A.  God  keeps  me  safe,  and  makes  me  well : 
No  child  can  all  his  goodness  tell. 

Q.  What  book  has  God  given  to  teach  us? 

A,  The  Holy  Scriptures,  full  of  truth. 

Can  guide,  and  cleanse,  und  teach  our  youth. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  61 

Q.  Should  children  love  God  ? 
A.  0  yes ;  the  youngest  child  should  love 
The  gracious  God,  who  dwells  above. 

Q.  Does  God  always  see  you  ? 
A.  All  that  I  do,  or  think,  or  say, 

God  knows :  he  sees  me  night  and  day. 

Q.  Were  you  born  a  sinner  ? 
A.  Yes  ;  I  was  even  born  in  sin, 
And  all  my  heart  is  bad  within. 

Q.  How  do  children  show  that  they  have  bad  hearts? 
A.  By  naughty  passions,  words,  and  ways, 
The  heart  its  wickedness  beti-ays. 

Q.  Is  God  angi-y  with  sinners  ? 
A.  Yes ;  God  is  angry  wlieu  we  sin : 
He  knows  how  wicked  we  have  been. 

Q.  What  do  our  sins  deserve  ? 

A.   The  wrath  of  God  and  endless  pain. 

Where  darkness,  death,  and  sorrow  reign. 

Q.  Can  you  make  your  own  heart  good  ? 
A.  I  am  so  wicked  and  so  weak, 
My  heart  I  cannot  better  make. 

Q.  Who  can  save  you  ? 
A.  Jesus,  the  blessed  Saviour  died. 
Our  peace  and  pardon  to  provide. 

Q.  What  must  you  do  to  be  saved  ? 
A.  In  Jesus  Christ  I  must  believe. 
His  grace  and  mercy  to  receive. 

Q.  Must  you  repent  of  your  sins  ? 
A.  Yes  ;  with  a  very  humble  heart. 
And  from  all  sinful  ways  depart. 

Q.  What  should  be  your  prayer  ? 
A.  Lord,  I  am  wicked,  I  am  weak ; 
0  save  my  soul  for  Jesus'  sake. 


62  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO,  IK 

Q.  Should  you  love  Jesus  Christ  ? 
A.  0  yes,  I  should,  -with  all  my  heart, 
And  from  the  Saviour  ne'er  depart. 

Q.  Did  Christ  come  into  the  world  as  a  child? 
A,  Jesus  became  a  little  child, 

All  holy,  humble,  meek,  and  mild. 

Q.   How  did  he  grow  up  ? 
A.  In  wisdom  and  in  stature  too, 
The  holy  child,  our  Saviour,  grew. 

Q.  What  was  prophesied  of  Christ  ? 
A.  The  lambs  he'll  gather  by  his  grace. 
And  on  his  gentle  bosom  place. 

Q.  Did  Christ  thus  show  his  love  to  children  on  earth  ? 
A.  The  little  ones  he  took  and  bless'd, 
And  clasped  them  to  his  tender  breast. 

Q.  What  did  Christ  say  about  little  children  ? 
A.  Suffer  the  young  to  come  to  me  ; 
Of  such  the  saints  in  heaven  shall  be. 

Q.  Does  Christ  still  regard  the  young  ? 
A.  Now  on  his  glorious  throne  above, 
He  still  regards  the  young  with  love. 

Q,  Should  you  ask  God  to  teach  you  to  pray  ? 
A.  Lord,  teach  a  little  child  to  pray, 
And  tell  me  what  to  think  and  say. 

Q.  Will  God  hear  the  praises  of  children  ? 

A.  Yes ;  God  will  hear  the  hymns  I  raise  ; 

And  Jesus  loves  an  infant's  praise. 

Q.  Do  you  need  the  help  of  the  Holy  Spirit? 
A.  The  Holy  Spirit,  God  of  truth, 
Alone  can  guide  my  giddy  youth. 

Q,  Must  you  always  keep  from  lying  ? 
A.  My  tongue  must  never  tell  a  lie, 
Because  the  God  of  truth  is  nigh. 


NO.  II.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  63 

Q.  Must  you  keep  from  bad  tempers  ? 
A.  I  must  not  in  a  passion  be, 
Because  tlie  holy  God  can  see. 

Q.  Should  you  try  to  learn  and  be  wise  ? 

A.  He's  the  best  child  who  soonest  tries 

I  To  learn,  and  be  both  good  and  wise. 

Q.  How  must  you  act  to  others  ? 
A.  To  others  I  must  always  be 
As  I  would  have  them  be  to  me. 

Q.  Must  you  love  your  father  and  mother? 
A.  My  father  and  my  mother  too, 
I  must  both  love  and  honor  you. 

Q.  How  must  you  act  to  your  brothers  ? 
A.  In  me  my^  brothers  ought  to  find, 
A  heart  that 's  always  mild  and  kind. 

Q.  How  must  you  act  to  your  sisters  ? 

A.  My  sisters  I  must  strive  to  please, 

And  never  dare  to  vex  or  tease. 

Q.  How  must  you  act  to  other  children,  and  to  all  people  ? 
A.  I  must,  to  all  I  know,  or  see. 
Be  kind  as  any  child  can  be. 

Q.  Do  children  often  die? 
A.  Children  have  died  as  young  as  I, 
And  soon  I  may  be  sick  and  die. 

Q;  Wni  God  judge  the  young? 
A.  The  Lord  will  judge  both  "small  and  great," 
And  fix  their  everlasting  state. 

Q.  How  will  God  punish  the  wicked  ? 

A.  The  wicked  shall  be  sent  to  hell. 

In  everlasting  flames  to  dwell. 

Q.  "What  should  be  your  wish,  if  you  die  young? 
A.  May  Jesus  take  me,  when  I  die, 
To  live  with  him  above  the  sky. 

Q.  Where  will  good  children  go  after  death  ? 
A.  Good  children  shall  for  ever  be 

In  heaven,  their  Saviour  Christ  to  see. 


64  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  II. 

MOUNING    rRAYER. 

I  thank  my  God,  who  through  the  night 
Has  kept  me  till  the  morning's  light : 
Lord,  I  would  now  most  humbly  pray 
For  grace  and  mercy  through  this  day. 
Keep  me,  0  Lord,  from  every  sin, 
And  every  wicked  thought  within  : 
Under  thy  care  my  childhood  take, 
And  hear  my  prayers,  for  Jesus'  sake. 

EVENING    PRATER. 

Great  God,  I  thank  thee  for  the  day ; 
Forgive  and  take  its  sins  away, 
For  Jesus'  sake,  who  kindly  gave 
His  precious  blood,  lost  man  to  save. 
And  now  I  go  to  bed  and  sleep, 
Do  thou  a  child  in  safety  keep ; 
And  in  the  morning  may  I  wake, 
To  bless  my  God,  for  Jesus'  sake. 

GRACE    BEFORE    MEAT. 

Lord,  bless  the  food  which  now  I  take, 
To  do  me  good,  for  Jesus'  sake. 

ANOTHER   GRACE    BEFORE    MEAT. 

Bless'd  be  the  God  whose  kindness  gives 
The  food  by  which  my  body  lives. 

GRACE    AFTER   MEAT. 

Thanks  to  our  God,  through  Christ,  we  pray, 
For  food  to  eat  from  day  to  day. 

ANOTHER   GRACE    AFTER   MEAT. 

My  God,  I  thank  thee  for  my  food, 
For  health,  and  life,  and  every  good. 


CATECHISMS 


WESLEYAN  METHODISTS: 

COMPILED  AND  PUBLISHED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE 

BRITISH  CONFEEENCE. 

ADAPTED  TO  THE  USE  OF  FAMILIES  AND  SCHOOLS 
CONNECTED  WITH 

THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  SOUTH. 


NO.  III. — FOR   THE   USE    OF   YOUNG   PERSONS. 


ON    THE    EVIDENCES    OF   CHRISTIANITY  AND   THE   TRUTH    OF   THE 
HOLY    SCRIPTURES. 


REVISED  BY  THOS.  0.  SUMMERS,  D.D. 


SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 
1861. 


WESLEYAN   CATECHISM 


No.  III. 

FOR   THE    USE   OF   YOUNG   PERSONS. 

On  tlie  Evidences  of  Christianity,  and  the  Truth  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures. 


CHAPTER  I. 

DEFINITIONS   AND   EXPLANATIONS. 

Youth.   What  is  Christianity  ? 

Teacher.  The  doctrines,  morals,  and  manner  of 
worship  taught  by  Christ  and  his  apostles,  and  recorded 
in  the  New  Testament. 

Y.  What  is  Judaism  ? 

T.  The  religion  and  laws  of  the  Jews,  a  people  de- 
scended from  Abraham.  These  are  contained  in  the 
books  of  the  Old  Testament. 

Y.  What  is  the  religion  of  the  patriarchs  ? 

T.  The  belief  and  worship  of  the  early  progenitors 
of  the  different  nations  and  families  of  men,  before  the 
introduction  of  idolatry.  The  patriarchs,  eminently  so 
called,  lived  before  the  giving  of  the  law  by  Moses ; 
and  the  most  illustrious  of  these  were  Adam,  Abel, 
Seth,  Enoch,  Noah,  Melchizedek,  Abraham,  Isaac, 
Jacob,  and  Job. 

Y.  What  is  meant  by  revelation  ? 

(3) 


4  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [XO.  III. 

T.  A  supernatural  communication  of  truth  from  God 
to  man,  by  which  we  are  instructed  in  the  will  of  God 
respecting  us,  both  as  to  what  we  are  to  believe  and 
to  do;  how  we  are  to  worship  him;  what  we  may  hope 
from  his  mercy,  or  fear  from  his  displeasure. 

Y.  Does  God  make  revelations  of  his  will  to  every 
man  ? 

T.  Not  immediate  revelations.  Ho  revealed  his  will 
first  to  Adam  ;  then  to  Noah,  and  Abraham,  and  others 
among  the  patriarchs ;  to  Moses  and  the  prophets ;  and 
finally  by  Christ  and  his  apostles.  "We  acknowledge 
no  other  revelations ;  and  these  were  intended,  in 
different  degrees,  for  the  benefit  of  mankind  at  large. 

Y.  Have  all  these  revelations  been  recorded? 

T.  No.  Revelation  is  distinguished  into  oral  and 
written.  The  revelations  which  were  made  to  the 
patriarchs  were  transmitted  by  word  of  mouth,  or 
handed  down  from  one  age  to  another.  For  this  reason 
revelation  among  them  is  said  to  be  oral  or  traditional, 
and  the  long  duration  of  their  lives  preserved  it  from 
being  corrupted.  These  original  truths,  doctrines,  and 
traditional  facts,  were  thus  transmitted  to  Moses,  who 
wrote  them,  and  the  laws  which  he  received  from  God 
in  the  wilderness  of  Sinai,  in  the  five  books  which  bear 
his  name,  and  are  called  the  Pentateuch.  The  other 
books  of  the  Old  Testament,  whether  historical,  poetical, 
or  prophetical,  were  written  by  inspired  men  called 
prophets,  by  the  command  of  God,  and  compose  the 
volume  called  the  Old  Testament.  Our  Lord  committed 
nothing  to  writing ;  but  his  life  and  discourses  were 
written  after  his  resurrection  by  four  of  his  disciples, 
under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  "brought 
all  things  to  their  remembrance.''  The  book  of  the 
Acts  of  the  Apostles,  which  contains  an  account  of  the 
first  planting  of  Christianity  in  the  world,  was  written 
by  Luke ;  the  Epistles  and  the  Revelation  by  difierent 
apostles,  all  under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

i 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  5 

These  collectively  are  denominated  the  New  Testa- 
ment; and  the  Old  and  the  New  Testaments  we  em- 
phatically call  THE  WORD   OF   GOD. 

Y.  Has  this  collection  of  Divine  revelations  any  other 
name  ? 

T.  Yes;  it  is  also  called  the  Bible,  which  signifies 
the  Book,  to  denote  its  eminence  and  supreme  excel- . 
lence.  The  Christian  religion  is  also  called  "the  gos- 
pel," which  signifies  "the  good  news."  The  Jewish 
religion  is  called  "the  law,"  because  of  the  commands, 
moral,  ceremonial,  and  judicial,  which  were  given  to 
the  Jews  by  Moses. 

Y.  Is  not  the  Bible  sometimes  called  "the  Old  and 
New  Testaments  ?" 

T.  Yes;  because  in  them  God  enters  into  covenant 
with  men,  and  engages  to  bestow  certain  blessings  upon 
them  of  his  own  good  pleasure.  This  covenant  under 
the  law  was  made  specially  with  the  Jews,  but  under 
the  gospel  with  both  Jews  and  Gentiles.  The  former 
is  for  this,  and  for  some  other  reasons,  called  the  Old 
Testament,  or  Covenant ;  the  latter  the  New,  which  is 
perfect,  universal,  and  shall  never  pass  away. 

Y.  Fray  explain  another  term  often  used — dispen- 
sation. 

T.  This  word  signifies  a  dispensing,  or  bestowing; 
and,  in  the  theological  sense,  means  the  truth  and 
gi*ace  which  have  been  dispensed  in  different  periods 
of  the  world  by  successive  revelations  of  the  will  and 
mercy  of  God  to  mankind.  For  this  reason  we  say  the 
patriarchal,  the  Mosaic  or  Jewish,  and  the  Christian 
dispensations :  the  first  commencing  with  Adam,  and 
reaching  to  the  giving  of  the  law  by  Moses ;  the  second, 
from  that  event  to  the  death  of  Christ ;  the  third,  from 
the  death  of  Christ  to  the  end  of  the  world. 

Y.  All  this  I  comprehend ;  but  I  would  now  be 
more  fully  instructed  in  the  proofs  that  these  dispensa- 
tions are  from  God ;  in  other  words,  how  the  revela- 


6  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

tions  contained  in  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  can  be 
shown  to  be  of  Divine  authority. 

T.  This  is  a  laudable  desire ;  and  we  will  proceed  to 
these  proofs  step  by  step,  that  "you  may  know  the 
certainty  of  the  things  wherein  you  have  been  in- 
structed.'' 


CHAPTER   II. 

A    REVELATION    FROM    GOD    HIGHLY    PROBABLE    AND 
NECESSARY. 

T.  Let  our  first  inquiry  be,  whether  it  is  probable 
that  man  has  been  left  without  a  revelation  of  the  will 
of  God.     I  ask  you,  first,  what  is  moral  agency  ? 

Y.  Agency  is  the  doing  of  any  thing,  and  moral 
agency  is  the  doing  of  what  is  good  or  evil,  right  or 
wrong.  These  are  called  moral  acts,  in  opposition  to 
natural  acts,  as  walking,  flying,  eating,  etc.,  which,  in 
themselves,  are  neither  good  nor  evil,  and  incapable  of 
being  praised  or  blamed. 

T.  Why  do  you  call  some  actions  good  or  evil,  and 
therefore  praise  or  blame  them  ? 

Y.  Because  they  are  agreeable  or  opposed  to  some 
rule  or  law,  which  determines  their  nature. 

T,  By  this  law  do  you  mean  the  law  of  your  own  or 
any  other  country  ? 

Y.  Certainly  not,  for  if  all  national  laws  were 
abolished,  the  actions  which  mankind  have  generally 
agreed  to  call  good  or  evil  would  still  be  regarded  as 
such,  and  be  praised  or  blamed  accordingly. 

T.  If  there  has  been  this  general  agreement  among 
mankind,  when  did  they  agree  to  form  those  rules 
which  make  certain  actions  good  or  evil  ? 

Y.  If  they  did  so  agree,  it  must  have  been  at  a  very 
early  period,  even  before  the  forming  of  mankind  into 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  7 

states  and  nations ;  for  the  laws  of  states  are  clearly 
built  upon  a  previous  agreement  among  men,  that  some 
actions  are  good  and  beneficial,  and  that  others  are  evil 
and  injurious,  and  ought  to  be  restrained,  as  murder, 
theft,  and  other  vices  which  affect  society.  But  we 
have  no  record  of  any  solemn  discussion  of  so  weighty 
a  subject,  or  of  any  agreement  among  mankind  to  lay 
down  rules  or  laws  which  should  first  determine  the 
good  or  evil  of  actions. 

T.  But  is  there  no  proof  that  mankind,  in  the 
earliest  ages  of  the  world,  considered  various  actions  as 
determined  to  be  good  and  evil  by  a  higher  authority 
than  that  of  man  ? 

Y.  Certainly,  all  antiquity  agrees  in  making  a  dis- 
tinction between  things  good  and  evil,  and  in  repre- 
senting one  to  be  pleasing,  and  the  other  displeasing  to 
God;  one  to  be  the  object  of  reward,  and  the  other  of 
punishment ;  and  consequently,  in  acknowledging  a 
will  or  law  of  God  on  these  subjects;  but  what  do  you 
conclude  from  this  ? 

T.  That  all  the  evidence  which  arises  from  human 
history  goes  to  establish  this  point — that  a  rule  was 
always  known  in  the  world  by  which  men's  actions 
were  judged  of  as  good  or  evil,  and  that  this  rule  was 
the  will  of  God,  which,  in  some  mode,  was  ascertain- 
able by  his  creatures. 

Y.  This  seems  to  be  indisputable. 

T.  Then  this  makes  it  highly  probable  that,  in  the 
earliest  ages,  God  made  an  express  revelation  of  his 
will  to  mankind  ? 

Y.  This  is,  also,  highly  probable  from  the  facts  just 
now  mentioned. 

T.  Let  me  then  ask  you,  whether  man  is  not  a  created 
being  ? 

Y.  This  is  certain ;  for  he  is  born,  and  changes,  and 
dies,  and  is,  therefore,  dependent  upon  some  power 
which  he  cannot  resist. 


8  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

T.  Then  there  must  have  been  a  first  pair  from  whom 
we  all  have  descended  ? 

Y.  This  also  is  clear ;  and  as  they  could  not  create 
themselves,  they  must  have  been  immediately  created 
by  God. 

T.  Do  you  see  nothing  in  the  nature  of  man  to  dis- 
tinguish him  from  other  animals  ? 

Y.  1  do  :  I  es}3ecially  observe  that  he  is  capable  of 
good  and  evil  actions,  which  they  are  not ',  that  he  is 
therefore  a  subject  of  reward  and  punishment;  that  he 
is  capable  of  reflecting  with  pleasure  or  dissatisfaction 
upon  his  actions,  which  faculty  we  call  conscience. 

T.  Does  not,  then,  the  very  nature  which  his  Maker 
has  given  him  bear  an  evident  relation  to  law  or  rule, 
and  to  reward  and  punishment  ? 

Y.  JMost  clearly  ;  and  from  this  I  see  another  strong 
presumption  arise,  that  a  creature,  who  by  his  Creator 
is  in  his  very  nature  constituted  to  be  capable  of  moral 
government,  must,  from  the  beginning  of  his  existence, 
have  been  placed  under  a  moral  law. 

T.  But  does  not  a  moral  law  manifestly  suppose  a 
revelation  ? 

Y.  Truly ;  because  law,  being  the  will  of  a  superior, 
must  be  known  before  it  can  be  obeyed ;  and  it  belongs 
to  a  legislator  to  promulgate,  or,  in  other  words,  to  re- 
veal his  laws. 

T.  But  suppose  it  said  that  man  might  infer  the 
will  of  God  from  natural  objects,  and  the  course  of 
Divine  government,  without  an  express  revelation,  how 
would  you  reply  ? 

Y.  I  would  say,  1.  That  then  the  will  of  God  on 
moral  subjects  must  have  been  more  imperfectly  knowm 
in  the  first  age  than  in  the  following  ages  of  the  world, 
because  men  had  less  time  for  observing  nature,  and 
less  experience  in  the  course  of  Providence.  But  this 
is  contrary  to  all  history  and  all  tradition.  2.  That  by 
inference  they  could  only  at  best  obtain  imperfect  inti- 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  9 

mations  of  the  will  of  God.  And,  3.  That  the  will  of 
God  would  thus  be  made  to  depend  upon  the  opinions 
of  men,  that  is,  upon  the  justness  and  fairness  of  their 
inferences,  and  would,  therefore,  be  a  different  rule  of 
action  in  different  men :  a  conclusion  which  cannot  be 
maintained  by  any  sober  person. 

T.  Your  answer  is  forcible ;  but  you  may  add  that 
if  man  had  been  left  to  infer  the  will  of  God  from  the 
works  of  nature,  and  the  course  of  God's  government 
of  the  world,  without  a  direct  revelation,  there  is  no- 
thing in  either  to  indicate  that  God  ought  to  be  wor- 
shipped ;  that  he  will  hear  our  prayers ;  that  there  is 
a  state  of  future  rewards  and  punishments ;  or  that  God 
will  pardon  those  who  have  broken  his  laws,  or  how 
that  pardon  must  be  sought.  On  all  these  subjects, 
which  are  essential  to  morality,  religion,  and  hope, 
the  works  of  nature  and  the  dispensations  of  Prov- 
idence are  totally  silent ;  and,  thus,  there  could  have 
been  no  system  of  complete  and  influential  morality, 
and  no  authorized  religious  worship,  and  no  hope  be- 
yond the  grave,  without  an  express  revelation. 

Y.  All  this  appears  very  manifest,  and  yet  I  hear 
much  of  the  sufficiency  of  human  reason  to  discover 
the  being  and  perfections  of  God  from  his  works,  his 
will  respecting  us,  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  and 
other  important  subjects. 

T.  This  is  the  constant  theme  of  infidels,  and  yet  do 
you  not  perceive  that  none  of  them  have  gained  their 
knowledge  of  these  truths  from  reason,  but  that  they 
are  all  indebted  for  them  to  revelation  ? 

Y.  Certainly  this  is  the  case  with  the  deists  of  the 
present  age ;  but  how  does  that  apply  to  the  philoso- 
phers of  Rome,  Greece,  Egypt,  and  other  ancient 
countries  ? 

T.  Just  as  forcibly.  Not  any  of  the  most  enlight- 
ened of  them,  whose  writings  remain,  or  whose  opin- 
ions we  know,  ever  pretended  to  be  the  discoverers  of 

€ 


10  WESLEY  AN  CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

these  truths.  Thoy  speak  of  them  sometimes  believ- 
ingly,  sometimes  doubtfully,  but  always  as  knowo  in 
the  world,  and  as  derived  from  an  earlier  age  of  an- 
tiquity. 

Y.  You  suppose,  therefore,  that  these  opinions  were 
derived  from  a  common  source  ? 

T.  Undoubtedly  they  were  transmitted  from  an 
earlier  age ;  for, 

1.  The  wonderful  agreement  of  even  the  supersti- 
tions of  all  the  heathen  nations,  in  recognizing  certain 
facts  of  the  Mosaic  history,  is  a  strong  proof  that  they 
are  but  perversions  of  the  religion  and  history  of  the 
patriarchal  times.  Plato,  one  of  the  wisest  and  most 
learned  of  the  ancient  Greek  philosophers,  says,  ''After 
a  certain  flood,  which  but  few  escaped,  on  the  increase 
of  mankind,  they  had  neither  letters,  writing,  nor 
laws,  but  obeyed  the  manners  and  institutions  of  their 
fathers  as  laws ;  and  when  colonies  separated  from 
them,  they  took  an  elder  for  their  leader,  and  in  their 
new  settlements  retained  the  customs  of  their  ances- 
tors, those  especially  which  related  to  their  gods,  and 
thus  transmitted  them  to  their  posterity ;  they  im- 
printed them  on  the  minds  of  their  sons ;  and  they  did 
the  same  to  their  children.  This  was  the  origin  of 
right  laws,  and  of  the  different  forms  of  govern- 
ment.'^ 

2.  The  practice  of  sacrifice,  which  may  at  once  be 
traced  into  all  nations,  and  to  the  remotest  antiquity, 
affords  an  eminent  proof  of  the  common  origin  of  reli- 
gion ;  inasmuch  as  no  reason  drawn  from  the  nature 
of  the  rite  itself,  or  the  circumstances  of  men,  can  be 
given  for  the  universality  of  the  practice ;  and  as  it  is 
clearly  a  positive  institute,  and  opposed  to  the  inte- 
rests of  men,  it  can  only  be  accounted  for  by  an  in- 
junction issued  at  a  very  early  period  of  the  world, 
and  solemnly  imposed. 

3.  The  events  and  some  of  the  leading  opinions  of  the 


NO.  III.]  WESLEY  AN   CATECHISM.  11 

earliest  ages  mentioned  in  Scripture  may  also  be  traced 
among  the  most  barbarous  as  well  as  in  tbe  Oriental, 
the  Grecian,  and  the  Roman  systems  of  mythology. 
Such  are,  the  formation  of  the  world  ;  the  fall  and  cor- 
ruption of  man ;  the  hostility  of  a  powerful  and  super- 
natural agent  of  wickedness,  under  his  appropriate  and 
scriptural  emblem,  the  serpent ;  the  destruction  of  the 
world  by  water  ',  the  repeopling  of  it  by  the  sons  of 
Noah ;  the  expectation  of  its  final  destruction  by  fire ; 
and,  above  all,  the  promise  of  a  great  and  Divine  De- 
liverer. 

4.  All  nations  have  dispersed  from  the  patriarchal 
seats  in  Asia :  this  has  been  often  satisfactorily  proved. 
All  religions,  however  superstitious,  agree  in  a  common 
origin.  All  the  great  masters  of  human  reason  in  the 
ancient  world  had,  therefore,  heard  of  God  and  his 
perfections;  of  moral  distinctions ;  of  man's  immortal- 
ity ;  and  of  a  future  state.  The  best  of  their  notions 
were  in  the  world  long  before  they  lived;  the  worst 
only,  by  which  they  corrupted  the  primitive  truths, 
were  of  their  own  invention. 

Y.  I  perceive,  then,  that  human  reason  has  no  claim 
at  all,  even  in  these  early  ages,  to  the  credit  of  these 
discoveries;  but  tell  me  how  it  is  that  men  who  reject 
the  Bible  are  so  confident  in  ascribing  so  much  power 
to  their  unaided  reason  ? 

T.  My  answer  may,  perhaps,  surprise  you;  but  I 
will  prepare  you  for  it  by  reminding  you  that  the  phi- 
losophers of  antiquity  made  no  such  pretensions,  and 
that  this  confidence  in  human  reason  is  the  boast  only 
of  men  where  Christianity  is  already  known.  The 
ancient  sages  confessed  the  weakness  of  their  under- 
standings, and  their  inability  to  discover  truth.  Py- 
thagoras, Socrates,  Plato,  Cicero,  and  others,  all  confess 
their  ignorance  and  their  doubts  on  those  very  subjects 
which  some  of  the  moderns  pretend  to  be  clearly  dis- 
coverable without  a  revelation;  and  the  only  reason 


12  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

which  can  be  given  why  infidel  philosophers  of  the 
present  age  speak  with  so  much  assurance  as  to  their 
own  ability  to  make  better  discoveries,  is  that  these 
discoveries  have  been  actually  made  by  the  Bible,  and 
have  become  so  familiar,  and,  being  once  reavealed, 
carry  so  clear  a  conviction  to  the  reason  of  man,  that, 
in  the  pride  and  forgetfulness  of  their  hearts,  they 
think  them  so  easy  as  to  be  quite  within  the  reach  of 
their  own  efforts,  had  they  not  been  so  assisted.  For, 
as  Mr.  Locke  truly  observes,  "  AVhcn  truths  are  once 
known  to  us,  though  by  tradition,  we  are  apt  to  be 
favorable  to  our  own  parts,  and  ascribe  to  our  own  un- 
derstanding the  discovery  of  what,  in  reality,  we  bor- 
rowed from  others ;  or,  at  least,  finding  we  can  prove 
what  at  first  we  learned  from  others,  we  are  forward  to 
conclude  it  an  obvious  truth,  which,  if  we  had  sought, 
we  could  not  have  missed.  Many  are  beholden  to 
revelation  who  do  not  acknowledge  it.  It  is  no  dimin- 
ishing to  revelation  that  reason  gives  its  suffrage  too  to 
the  truths  revelation  has  discovered ;  but  it  is  our  mis- 
take to  think  that,  because  reason  confirms  them  to  us, 
we  had  the  first  certain  knowledge  of  them  from 
thence,  and  in  that  clear  evidence  we  now  possess 
them."  The  answer  then  to  your  question  is,  that,  if 
we  had  had  no  revelation  from  God,  we  should  never 
have  heard  so  much  boasting  of  the  strength  of  reason 
in  man. 

Y.  But  if  the  first  and  fundamental  truths  of  reli- 
gion were  known  in  the  early  ages  of  the  world,  is  it 
not  a  proof  also  of  the  weakness  of  man's  reason  that 
he  fell  into  so  many  and  so  ridiculous  errors  on  reli- 
gious subjects? 

T.  It  is  both  a  proof  of  the  wickedness  of  his  heart 
and  the  weakness  of  his  reason,  and  also  of  the  neces- 
sity of  a  new  and  written  revelation  being  introduced, 
to  restore,  enlarge,  and  perpetuate  religious  know- 
ledge;   for  the  truth  being  once  lost,  no   power  of 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  '  13 

human  reason  was  ever  able  to  restore  it ;  the  "whole 
world,  both  wise  and  barbarous  nations,  had  sunk  into 
the  grossest  ignorance  at  the  time  of  the  advent  of  our 
Lord ;  and  those  parts  of  the  world  into  which  the 
lio'ht  of  our  religion  has  not  yet  entered,  even  where 
civilization  and  learning  exist,  are  in  the  same  condi- 
tion to  this  day. 

Y.  Be  pleased  to  give  me  some  instances  of  this. 

T.  It  is  not  necessary  to  state  particularly,  what 
every  one  knows  to  be  the  fact,  that  the  body  of  the  peo- 
ple were  in  all  nations  grossly  idolatrous  and  supersti- 
tious, ignorant  of  God  and  of  moral  distinctions,  and 
crediting  the  most  absurd  fables,  both  as  to  the  gods 
and  a  future  life.  But  the  charge  of  great  ignorance 
and  error  lies  also  against  the  wisest  and  most  culti- 
vated minds  in  the  pagan  world;  for, 

1.  Though  the  belief  of  one  Supreme  Being  has 
been  found  in  many  parts  of  the  world,  yet  the  notion 
of  subordinate  deities,  the  immediate  dispensers  of 
good  and  evil  to  men,  and  the  objects  of  their  fear  and 
worship,  has  almost  equally  obtained;  and  this  of  ne- 
cessity destroyed  or  greatly  counteracted  the  moral 
influence  of  that  just  opinion. 

2.  The  modern  idolatry  of  Hindoos  tan,  which  in 
principle  differs  nothing  from  that  of  the  ancient 
world,  affords  a  striking  comment  upon  this  point,  and 
indeed  is  of  great  importance  in  enabling  us  to  con- 
ceive justly  of  the  true  character  and  practical  effects 
of  idolatry  in  all  ages.  One  Supreme  Being  is  acknow- 
ledged by  the  Hindoos,  but  they  never  worship  him, 
nor  think  that  he  concerns  himself  with  human  affairs 
at  all.  "  This  being,"  says  Moore,  ''  is  called  Brahm, 
one  eternal  mind,  the  self-existing,  incomprehensible 
Spirit.  To  him,  however,  the  Hindoos  erect  no  altars. 
The  objects  of  their  adoration  commence  with  the 
triad — Brahma,   Yishnu,   and    Siva,   which    represent 


14  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

the  almighty  powers  of  creation,  preservation,  and  de- 
struction." 

3.  The  learned  among  the  classic  heathen,  it  is  true, 
occasionally  speak  nobly  concerning  God  and  his  attri- 
butes; but  at  the  same  time  they  were  led  by  their  own 
imaginations  and  reasonings  to  conclusions  which  neu- 
tralize the  effect  of  their  sublimer  conceptions,  and 
often  contradict  them.  The  eternity  of  matter,  for 
instance,  was  held  by  the  Greek  and  Roman  philoso- 
phers, and  by  their  preceptors,  the  Oriental  schools, 
who  thought  it  absolutely  impossible  that  any  thing 
should  be  produced  from  nothing,  thus  destroying  the 
notion  of  creation  in  its  proper  sense,  and  of  a  supreme 
Creator. 

In  like  manner,  though  occasionally  we  find  many 
excellent  things  said  of  the  providence  of  God,  all 
these  were  weakened  or  destroyed  by  other  opinions. 
The  Epicurean  sect  denied  the  doctrine,  and  laid  it 
down  as  a  maxim,  "  that  what  was  blessed  and  immor- 
tal gave  neither  any  trouble  to  itself  nor  to  others ;"  a 
notion  which  exactly  agrees  with  the  system  of  the 
modern  Hindoos.  The  Stoics  contended  for  a  provi- 
dence ;  but  in  their  creed  it  was  counteracted  by  the 
doctrine  of  an  absolute  necessity,  or  fate,  to  which  God 
and  matter,  or  the  universe,  which  consists,  as  they 
thought,  of  both,  was  immutably  subject;  and  where 
they  allow  it,  they  confine  the  care  of  the  gods  to  great 
affairs  only. 

Another  great  principle  of  religion  is  the  doctrine 
of  a  future  state  of  reward  and  punishment;  and  though 
in  some  form  it  is  recognized  in  pagan  systems,  and 
the  traditions  of  the  primitive  ages  may  be  traced  in 
their  extravagant  perversions  and  fables,  its  evidence 
was  either  greatly  diminished,  or  it  was  mixed  up  with 
notions  entirely  subversive  of  the  moral  effect  which  it 
was  originally  intended  to  produce. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  15 

The  doctrine  of  Aristotle  and  the  Peripatetics  gives 
no  countenance  to  the  opinion  of  the  soul's  immortal- 
ity, or  even  of  its  existence  after  death.  Democritus 
and  his  followers  taught  that  the  soul  is  material  and 
mortal ;  Heraclitus,  that  when  the  soul  is  purified 
from  moist  vapors  it  returns  into  the  soul  of  the  uni- 
verse— if  not,  it  perishes ;  Epicurus  and  his  followers, 
that  "  when  death  is,  we  are  not.^'  The  leading  men 
among  the  Romans,  when  philosophy  was  introduced 
among  them,  followed  the  various  Greek  sects.  Cicero 
doubted.  Pliny  declares  that  the  soul  and  body  have 
no  more  sense  after  death  than  before  we  were  born ; 
Caesar,  "  that  beyond  death  there  is  place  for  neither 
care  nor  joy.''  The  poets,  it  is  true,  spoke  of  a  future 
state  of  rewards  and  punishments;  they  had  the  joys 
of  Elysium  and  the  tortures  of  Tartarus;  but  both 
philosophers  and  poets  regarded  them  as  vulgar  fables. 

Thus  you  see  that  "  the  world  by  wisdom  knew  not 
God,"  and  that  the  very  first  principles  of  religion 
were  for  ages  either  denied,  or  corrupted  by  the  most 
fatal  errors. 

Y.  But  as  I  have  heard  much  of  heathen  virtue,  I 
suppose  that  the  morals  of  Gentile  nations  were  better 
than  their  opinions  ? 

T,  This  also  is  an  error.  The  facts  mentioned  in 
their  own  histories,  and  by  their  own  satirists  and 
poets,  show  that  morals  were  universally  corrupted  to 
an  extent  not  known  among  the  worst  Christian  na- 
tions, and  that  the  descriptions  of  the  state  of  the  hea- 
then world  in  the  New  Testament,  and  especially  in 
the  first  chapter  of  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  contain 
no  exaggerations. 

1.  The  slight  regard  paid  to  the  life  of  man  in  all 
heathen  countries  cannot  have  escaped  the  notice  of 
reflecting  minds.  Among  the  Romans,  men  were 
murdered  in  their  very  pastimes,  by  being  made  to 
fight  with  wild  beasts  and  with  each  other ;  and  though 


16  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

tliis  was  sometimes  condemned,  yet  the  passion  for 
blood  increased,  and  few  wars  ever  caused  so  great  a 
slaughter  as  did  the  gladiatorial  combats.  They  were 
at  first  confined  to  the  funerals  of  great  persons.  The 
first  show  of  this  kind,  exhibited  in  Rome  by  the  Bruti 
on  the  death  of  their  father,  consisted  of  three  couples, 
but  afterward  the  number  greatly  increased.  Julius 
(\T3sar  presented  three  hundred  pairs  of  gladiators ; 
and  the  Emperor  Trajan  ten  thousand  of  them,  for  the 
entertainment  of  the  people.  Sometimes  these  horrid 
exhibitions,  when  the  practice  had  attained  its  height, 
deprived  Europe  of  twenty  thousand  lives  in  one  month. 

"l.  This  is  further  illustrated  by  the  treatment  of 
slaves,  which  composed  so  large  a  portion  of  the  popu- 
lation of  ancient  states.  They  knew  and  acknowledged 
the  evil  of  murder,  and  had  laws  for  its  punishment; 
but  to  this  despised  class  of  human  beings  they  did  not 
extend  the  rule ;  nor  was  killing  them  accounted  mur- 
der, any  more  than  the  killing  of  a  beast.  The  master 
had  absolute  power  of  life,  or  death,  or  torture )  and 
their  lives  were  therefore  sacrificed  in  the  most  wanton 
manner.  The  youth  of  Sparta  made  it  their  pastime 
frequently  to  lie  in  ambush  at  night  for  the  slaves,  and 
sally  out  with  daggers  upon  every  Ilelot  who  came 
near  them,  and  murder  him  in  cold  blood.  It  was  the 
custom  for  Vcdius  Pollio,  a  Roman,  when  his  slaves 
had  committed  a  fault,  sometimes  a  very  trifling  one, 
to  order  them  to  be  thrown  into  his  fish-ponds,  to  feed 
his  lampreys.  It  was  the  constant  custom,  as  we  learn 
from  Tacitus,  when  a  master  was  murdered  in  his  own 
house,  to  put  all  the  slaves  to  death  indiscriminately. 

3.  In  many  heathen  nations  it  was  allowed  to 
strangle,  or  drown,  or  expose  infants,  especially  if 
sickly  or  deformed ;  and  that  which  in  Christian  states 
IS  considered  as  the  most  atrocious  of  crimes,  was,  by 
the  most  celebrated  of  ancient  pagan  nations,  esteemed 
a  wise  and  political  expedient  to  rid  the  state  of  useless 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  17 

or  troublesome  members,  and  was  even  enjoined  by 
some  of  their  most  celebrated  sages  and  legislators. 
The  same  practice  continues  to  this  day  in  a  most 
affecting  extent,  not  only  among  uncivilized  pagans, 
but  among  the  Hindoos  and  the  Chinese. 

4.  As  far  as  the  authority  of  their  moral  teachers 
went,  a  full  scope  was  given  for  the  indulgence  of  ha- 
tred, malice,  and  insatiate  revenge.  One  of  the  quali- 
ties of  the  good  vian  described  by  Cicero  is,  that  he 
hurts  no  one,  except  he  be  injured  himself;  and  he 
declares  as  to  himself,  "I  w^ll  revenge  all  injuries,  ac- 
cording as  I  am  provoked  by  any."  And  Aristotle 
speaks  of  meekness  as  a  defect,  because  the  meek  man 
will  not  avenge  himself;  and  of  revenge,  as  ''a  more 
manly  thing." 

5.  To  those  vices  which  are  connected  with  the  pur- 
suit of  sinful  pleasure,  lawgivers,  statesmen,  philoso- 
phers, and  moralists  gave  the  sanction  of  their  opinions 
and  their  practice ;  which  foul  blot  of  ancient  heathen- 
ism continues,  to  this  day,  to  mark  the  morals  of  pagan 
countries. 

G.  In  most  civilized  states,  the  very  existence  of 
society  and  the  natural  selfishness  of  man  led  to  the 
preservation  of  the  ancient  laws  against  theft  and  ra- 
pine, and  to  the  due  execution  of  the  statutes  made 
against  them;  but,  in  this  also,  we  see  the  same  dispo- 
sition to  corrupt  the  original  prohibition.  It  was  not 
extended  to  strangers  or  to  foreign  countries;  nor  was 
it  generally  interpreted  to  reach  to  any  thing  more  than 
flagrant  acts  of  violence.  Usury,  extortion,  and  fraud, 
were  rather  regarded  as  laudable  acts  than  as  injurious 
to  character.  Throughout  India,  there  is  said  to  be 
scarcely  such  a  thing  as  common  honesty. 

7.  I)eceit  and  falsehood  have  been  the  character  of 
all  pagan  nations,  and  continue  so  to  be  to  this  day. 
This  is  the  character  of  the  Chinese  as  given  by  the 
best  authorities;  and  of  the  Hindoos  it  is  stated,  by 


18  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.    IH. 

the  most  respectable  Europeans,  not  merely  by  mission- 
aries, but  by  those  who  have  long  held  official,  civil, 
and  judicial  situations  among  them,  that  their  disre- 
gard of  truth  is  uniform  and  systematic.  When  dis- 
covered, it  causes  no  surprise  in  the  one  party,  or  hu- 
miliation in  the  other.  Even  when  they  have  truth  to 
tell,  they  seldom  fail  to  bolster  it  up  with  some  ap- 
pended falsehoods.  ''It  is  the  business  with  all,''  says 
K!>ir  John  Shore,  "  from  the  llyot  to  the  Dewan,  to  con- 
ceal and  deceive.  The  simplest  matters  of  fact  are 
designedly  covered  with  a  veil,  which  no  human  un- 
derstanding can  penetrate."  The  prevalence  of  per- 
jury is  so  universal  as  to  involve  the  judges  in  extreme 
perplexity. 

8.  The  horrible  practice  of  offering  human  sacrifices 
prevailed  throughout  every  region  of  the  heathen  world, 
to  a  degree  which  is  almost  incredible ;  and  it  still  pre* 
vails  in  many  populous  countries,  where  Christianity 
has  not  yet  been  made  known.  There  are  incontestable 
proofs  of  its  having  subsisted  among  the  Egyptians, 
the  Syrians,  the  Persians,  the  Phenicians,  and  all  the 
various  nations  of  the  east.  It  was  one  of  the  crying 
sins  of  the  Canaanites.  The  contagion  spread  over 
every  part  of  Asia,  Africa,  and  Europe.  The  Greeks 
and  llomans,  though  less  involved  in  this  guilt  than 
many  other  nations,  were  not  altogether  untainted  with 
it.  On  great  and  extraordinary  occasions,  they  had 
recourse  to  what  was  esteemed  the  most  efficacious  and 
most  meritorious  sacrifice  that  could  be  offered  to  the 
gods,  the  effusion  of  human  blood.  But  among  more 
barbarous  nations,  this  practice  took  a  firmer  root. 
The  Scythians  and  Thracians,  the  Gauls  and  the  Ger- 
mans, were  strongly  addicted  to  it ;  and  the  island  of 
Great  Britain,  under  the  gloomy  and  ferocious  despo- 
tism of  the  Druids,  was  polluted  with  the  religious 
murder  of  its  inhabitants.  In  the  semi-civilized  king- 
doms on  the  western  side  of  Africa,  as  Dahomy,  Ash- 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  19 

antee,  and  others,  many  thousands  fall  every  year  vic- 
tims to  superstition.  In  America,  Montezuma  offered 
20,000  victims  yearly  to  the  sun ;  and  modern  navi- 
gators have  found  the  practice  throughout  the  whole 
extent  of  the  vast  Pacific  Ocean.  As  for  India,  the 
cries  of  its  abominable  and  cruel  superstitions  have 
been  sounded  repeatedly  in  the  ears  of  the  public  ;  and 
including  infants  and  widows,  not  fewer  than  10,000 
lives  formerly  fell  a  sacrifice  to  idolatry  in  the  British 
eastern  dominions  yearly. 

9.  This  immoral  tendency  of  their  religion  was  con- 
firmed and  perfected  by  the  very  character  and  actions 
of  their  gods,  whose  names  were  perpetually  in  their 
mouths ;  and  whose  murderous  or  obscene  exploits, 
whose  villainies  and  chicaneries,  whose  hatreds  and 
strifes,  were  the  subjects  of  their  popular  legends; 
which  made  up  in  fact  the  only  theology,  if  so  it  may 
be  called,  of  the  body  of  the  people. 

This  sad  picture  of  heathen  morals  and  misery  must 
surely  convince  you  that  there  was  a  most  pressing  ne- 
cessity for  a  merciful  interposition  on  the  part  of  God 
to  enlighten  this  darkness,  and  to  teach  men  the  truth 
as  to  himself,  and  all  those  great  principles  on  which 
human  happiness  and  salvation  depend. 

Y.  I  do  indeed  see  the  value  and  necessity  of  a  writ- 
ten and  authorized  revelation  from  God ;  and  now.  wait 
for  your  next  step  in  this  important  argument. 


CHAPTEPv  III. 

THE    EVIDENCE    BY    WHICH    A    REVELATION    MAY   BE 
SATISFACTORILY   PROVED    TO    BE    DIVINE. 

T.  You  acknowledge  such  a  revelation  from  God  as 
should  contain  explicit  information  on  the  subjects  on 


20  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

wliieli  ninnkind  had  most  erred,  to  have  been  necessary; 
and  you  very  properly  expect  that  a  religious  system 
which  makes  so  lofty  a  claim  should  be  supported  by 
adequate  evidence ;  let  me  then  ask  whether  you  think 
it  possible  for  God  to  reveal  truth  to  man  ? 

Y.  To  deny  that  would  be  the  greatest  absurdity, 
for,  as  he  made  us  capable  of  knowledge,  he  must  be 
able  to  communicate  knowledge  to  us  in  various  ways : 
by  sensible  appearances — by  voices — by  angels — or 
by  his  secret  and  invisible  illumination  of  the  mind  of 
man  -,  thus  introducing  ideas  into  the  understanding, 
which  it  could  not,  by  its  own  efforts,  have  acquired.   ►- 

T.  Right ;  but  now  sup2')0se  any  man  to  profess  that 
God  had  thus  spoken  to  him  by  a  voice,  or  to  have 
sent  an  angel  to  him  with  a  message,  or  to  have  illumi- 
nated his  mind  in  the  way  just  described:  would  you 
admit  the  teaching  and  writing  of  such  a  man  to  be  of 
l)ivine  authority,  on  his  own  declaration  only  ? 

Y.  Certainly  not.  If  he  were  even  a  good  man,  I 
should  still  think  that  he  might  possibly  have  been  de- 
ceived in  whole  or  in  part. 

T.  How  then  would  3'ou  require  him  to  prove  thafe 
he  had  received  such  a  revelation  from  God  ? 

Y.  Indeed  it  is  difficult  to  conceive  how  any  man, 
though  lie  might  truly  have  received  such  a  communi- 
cation, could  convince  any  other  of  it.  He  might  make 
such  a  profession  with  earnestness;  he  might  appeal 
to  his  good  character;  he  might  reason  on  the  doctrine 
to  prove  it  rational  and  important;  but  none  of  these 
could  command  the  entire  credence  of  mankind,  or  give 
liis  doctrine  authority. 

T.  Your  remarks  are  just;  and  therefore  if  such  a 
revelation  was  intended  to  be  a  public  benefit  to  man- 
kind, and  he  who  has  received  it  was  to  be  considered 
in  the  light  of  a  Divine  messenger,  we  must  suppose 
that  Almighty  God  would  in  some  way  accredit  him  to 
others  in  that  character,  by  enabling  him  to  perform 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  21 

some  work  evidently  above  mere  human  power  to  effect, 
and  which  therefore  must  appear  to  be  wrought  by  God 
himself  by  his  instrumentality,  as  a  sign  of  his  commis- 
sion. 

Y.  This  seems  to  be  the  only  means  by  which  he 
could  obtain  credit  ^  and  miracles  are  therefore,  I  sup- 
pose, urged  by  believers  in  the  Bible,  as  signs  of  this 
description  ? 

T.  They  are  so;  but,  that  you  may  fully  perceive  the 
force  of  the  argument  which  we  build  upon  them,  I 
must  ask  you  to  tell  me  what  a  miracle  is. 

Y.  A  miracle  is  a  wonder,  a  prodigy,  or  extraordi- 
nary event. 

T.  This  is  a  definition  of  a  miracle  merely  in  the 
popular  sense ;  but  in  the  sense  in  which  we  use  the 
term  in  theology,  we  must  be  more  precise  in  our  defi- 
nition. A  miracle  is  an  efi'ect  or  event  contrary  to  the 
established  constitution  or  course  of  things,  or  a  sen- 
sible suspension  or  controlment  of,  or  deviation  from, 
the  known  laws  of  nature,  wrought  either  by  the  im- 
mediate act  or  by  the  concurrence  of  God,  for  the 
proof,  or  evidence,  of  some  particular  doctrine,  or  in 
attestation  of  the  authority  of  some  particular  person. 

Y.  What  end  does  this  definition  serve? 

T.  It  shows  you  that  we  take  the  fairest  ground  with 
unbelievers  in  this  question :  that  we  do  not  think 
every  strange  event  a  miracle ;  nor  what  uninstructed 
men,  from  their  ignorance  of  the  laws  of  nature,  medi- 
cinal power,  the  power  of  imagination  over  the  bodily 
frame,  or  mechanical  skill  and  contrivances,  or  the 
science  of  chemistry,  might  consider  miraculous ;  but 
acknowledge  that  event  only  to  be  miraculous  which 
manifestly  exceeds  the  extent  of  human  power,  as  mea- 
sured by  those  limits  of  its  exertion  which  uniform  ex- 
perience has  defined — which,  as  it  overrules  the  estab- 
lished laws  of  nature,  must  argue  the  agency  of  a  Di- 
vine control — and  which  is  so  connected  with  the  pro- 


22  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

mulgation  of  a  professed  revelation  as  clearly  to  be 
designed  to  authenticate  it. 

Y.  Tlie  question  cannot  be  more  fairly  stated ;  but 
now  I  wish  to  hear  the  argument  you  form  from  the 
supposed  case  of  the  performance  of  such  a  miracle. 

T.  The  argument  is,  that  as  the  known  and  estab- 
lished course  of  nature  has  been  fixed  by  Him  who  is 
the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all  things,  it  can  never  be 
violated,  departed  from,  or  controlled,  but  either  im- 
mediately by  himself,  or  mediately  by  other  beings  at 
his  command  and  by  his  assistance  ^  for  if  this  be  not 
allowed,  we  must  deny  that  God  governs  all  things. 
Every  real  miracle,  therefore,  is  a  work  of  God. 

Y.  But  how  do  you  connect  such  miracles  with  the 
autliority  of  the  teachers  of  a  professed  revelation? 

T.   In  the  following  manner  : 

When  such  unequivocal  miracles  as  those  we  have 
pointed  out  occur  only  at  the  time  when  certain  per- 
sons profess  that  they  have  a  Divine  authority  to  teach 
and  command  mankind,  this  is  a  strong  presumption 
that  the  works  are  wrought  by  God,  in  order  to  authen- 
ticate this  pretension ;  but  when  they  are  performed 
by  those  persons  themselves,  at  their  own  volition,  and 
for  the  express  purpose  of  establishing  their  mission, 
inasmuch  as  such  works  are  allowed  to  be  real  miracles, 
which  no  power  but  that  of  God  can  effect,  it  is  then 
clear  that  God  is  with  them,  and  that  his  cooperation 
is  an  authenticating  and  visible  seal  upon  their  com- 
mission. 

Y.  This  is  satisfactory ;  but  it  still  remains  for  you 
to  show  that  such  miracles  have  been  actually  wrought 
by  the  agents  employed  by  God  to  communicate  to 
men  the  revelations  of  the  Scriptures. 

T.  This  might  be  done  at  great  length  ;  but  it  will 
be  sufficient  to  examine  a  few  of  the  miracles  of  Moses 
and  of  Christ ;  for  if  their  Divine  commission  be  thus 
proved,  all  the  rest  follows. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  23 

Y.  This  of  course. 

T.  Well,  tlien,  to  begin  with  Moses  : 

1.  The  rod  cast  from  the  hand  of  Moses  became  a 
serpent.  Here  the  subject  was  well  known;  it  was  a 
rod,  a  branch  separated  from  a  tree ;  and  it  was  ob- 
viously contrary  to  the  known  and  established  course 
of  nature  that  it  should  undergo  so  signal  a  transform- 
ation. If  the  fact  can  be  proved,  the  miracle  must 
therefore  follow. 

2.  The  plague  of  darkness.  Two  circumstances  are 
to  be  noted  in  the  relation  given  of  this  event  in  the 
tenth  chapter  of  Exodus.  It  continued  three  days ; 
and  it  afflicted  the  Egyptians  only,  for  "  all  the  child- 
ren of  Israel  had  light  in  their  dwellings.''  The  fact 
here  mentioned  was  of  the  most  public  kind ;  and  had 
it  not  taken  place,  every  Egyptian  and  every  Israelite 
could  have  contradicted  the  account.  The  pheno- 
menon was  not  produced  by  an  eclipse  of  the  sun,  for 
no  eclipse  of  that  luminary  can  endure  so  long ;  and 
to  what  but  to  a  supernatural  cause  could  the  distinc- 
tion made  between  the  Israelites  and  the  Egyptians  be 
attributed,  when  they  inhabited  a  portion  of  the  same 
country,  and  when  their  neighborhoods  were  immedi- 
ately adjoining?  Here  then  are  the  characters  of  a 
true  miracle.  The  established  course  of  natural  causes 
and  effects  is  interrupted  by  an  operation  upon  that 
mighty  element,  the  atmosphere.  That  it  was  not  a 
casual  irregularity  in  nature  is  made  apparent  from  the 
effect  following  the  volition  of  a  man  acting  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  of  nature,  and  from  its  being  re- 
strained by  that  to  a  certain  part  of  the  same  country — 
*'  Moses  stretched  out  his  hand,"  and  the  darkness 
prevailed  everywhere  but  in  the  dwellings  of  his  own 
people.  The  fact  being  allowed,  the  miracle  of  neces- 
sity follows. 

3.  The  miracle  of  dividing  the  waters  of  the  lied 
Sea.     In  this  event  we  observe,  as  in  the  others,  cir- 


24  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  in. 

cumstanccs  wliicli  exclude  all  possibility  of  mistake  or 
collusion.  The  subject  of  the  miracle  is  the  sea;  the 
witnesses  of  it  the  host  of  Israel,  who  passed  through 
on  foot,  and  the  Egyptian  nation,  who  lost  their  king 
and  his  whole  army.  The  miraculous  characters  of  the 
event  are :  the  waters  are  divided,  and  stand  up  on 
each  side  ;  the  instrument  is  a  strong  east  wind,  which 
begins  its  operation  upon  the  waters  at  the  stretching 
out  of  the  hand  of  Moses,  and  ceases  at  the  same  sig- 
nal, and  that  at  the  precise  moment  when  the  return 
of  the  waters  would  be  most  fatal  to  the  Egyptian  pur- 
suing army.  The  miraculous  character  of  this  event 
is,  therefore,  most  strongly  marked.  An  expanse  of 
water,  and  that  water  a  sea  of  from  nine  to  twelve 
miles  broad,  known  to  be  exceedingly  subject  to  agita- 
tion, is  divided,  and  a  wall  of  water  is  formed  on  each 
hand,  affording  a  passage  on  dryland  for  the  Israelites. 
The  phenomenon  occurs,  too,  just  as  the  Egyptian  host 
are  on  the  point  of  overtaking  the  fugitives;  and 
ceases  at  the  moment  when  the  latter  reach  the  oppo- 
site shore  in  safety,  and  when  their  enemies  are  in  the 
midst  of  the  passage,  in  the  only  position  in  which  the 
closing  of  the  wall  of  water  on  each  side  could  insure 
the  entire  destruction  of  so  large  a  force  ! 

4.  The  falling  of  the  manna  in  the  wilderness  for 
forty  years  is  another  unquestionable  miracle,  and  one 
in  which  there  could  be  neither  mistake  on  the  part 
of  those  who  were  sustained  by  it,  nor  fraud  on  the 
part  of  Moses.  That  this  event  was  not  produced  by 
the  ordinary  course  of  nature  is  rendered  certain  by 
the  fact  that  the  same  wilderness  has  been  travelled  by 
individuals,  and  by  large  bodies  of  men,  from  the 
earliest  ages  to  the  present,  but  no  such  supply  of  food 
was  ever  met  with,  except  on  this  occasion.  And  its 
miraculous  character  is  further  marked  by  the  follow- 
ing circumstances  :  that  it  fell  but  six  days  in  the 
week;    that   it  fell  in  such   prodigious  quantities  as 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  25 

sustained  three  millions  of  souls;  that  there  fell  a 
double  quantity  every  Friday,  to  serve  the  Israelites 
for  the  next  day,  which  was  their  Sabbath ;  that  what 
was  gathered  on  the  first  five  days  of  the  week  stank 
and  bred  worms  if  kept  above  one  day ;  but  that 
which  was  gathered  on  Friday  kept  sweet  for  two 
days ;  and  that  it  continued  falling  while  the  Israelites 
remained  in  the  wilderness,  but  ceased  as  soon  as  they 
came  out  of  it,  and  got  corn  to  eat  in  the  land  of  Ca- 
naan. Let  these  very  extraordinary  particulars  be 
considered,  and  they  at  once  confirm  the  fact,  while 
they  unequivocally  establish  the  miracle.  No  people 
could  be  deceived  in  these  circumstances ;  no  person 
could  persuade  them  of  their  truth  if  thoy  had  not  oc- 
curred ;  and  the  whole  was  so  clearly  out  of  the  regu- 
lar course  of  nature  as  to  mark  unequivocally  the  in- 
terposition of  God. 

To  the  majority  of  the  numerous  miracles  recorded 
in  the  Old  Testament  the  same  remarks  apply,  and 
upon  them  the  same  miraculous  characters  arc  as  in- 
dubitably impressed.  If  we  proceed  to  those  of  Christ, 
the  evidence  becomes,  if  possible,  more  indubitable. 
They  were  clearly  above  the  power  either  of  human 
agency  or  natural  causes.  It  would  be  trifling  to  ex- 
amine instances  so  well  known  in  their  circumstances ; 
for  the  slightest  recollection  of  the  feeding  of  the  mul- 
titudes in  the  desert,  the  healing  of  the  paralytic,  the 
instant  cure  of  the  withered  hand  in  the  synagogue, 
near  Jerusalem,  the  raising  from  the  dead  of  the 
daughter  of  Jairus,  the  widow's  son,  and  Lazarus,  and 
many  other  instances  of  miraculous  power,  will  be  suffi- 
cient to  convince  any  ingenuous  mind  that  all  the 
characters  of  real  miracles  meet  in  them.  That  great 
miracle,  the  resurrection  of  our  Lord  himself  from  the 
dead,  so  often  appealed  to  by  the  first  teachers  of  his 
religion,  crowns  the  whole. 

Y.  I  now  most  clearly  perceive  that  if  these  facts 


26  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

can  be  established  to  have  actually  taken  place,  they 
must  be  allowed  to  Lave  been  wrought  by  a  Divine 
power;  and,  by  the  circumstances  of  their  perform- 
ance, or  occurrence,  to  attest  both  Moses  and  Christ  as 
commissioned  by  the  Author  of  nature  himself.  But 
is  not  evidence  from  prophecy  also  relied  on  in  proof 
of  the  Divine  authority  of  the  Scriptures  ? 

T.  It  is;  and  with  reason. 

Y.  But  tell  me  what  you  understand  by  prophecy  ? 

T.  Your  question  is  important;  for  we  do  not  un- 
derstand by  prophecy  an  ingenious  anticipation  of 
future  events,  which  may  sometimes  be  realized ;  nor 
dark  and  equivocal  general  predictions,  which  may 
often  have  a  plausible  application  to  different  events ; 
nor  the  wise  conjectures  of  observant  men,  founded 
upon  experience.  We  here,  as  in  the  case  of  miracles, 
take  open  ground  with  our  opponents,  and  appeal  to 
prophecy  only  as  it  bears  the  following  characters  :  1. 
That  it  shall  have  been  delivered  before  the  event  said 
to  be  a  fulfilment  of  it ;  2.  That  it  shall  have  a  parti- 
cular and  not  a  general  agreement  with  that  event;  3. 
That  the  event  shall  be  such  as  no  human  sagacity  or 
foresight  could  possibly  conjecture  or  foretell;  and,  4. 
That  these  predictions  shall  be  connected  with  those 
who  profess  to  give  revelations  from  God  to  mankind, 
in  the  same  manner  as  in  the  case  of  miracles. 

Y.  This  brings  the  matter  to  an  easy  issue ;  but  in 
what  way  is  the  fulfilment  of  prophecy  a  proof  of  a  Di- 
vine commission  in  him  who  utters  it  ? 

T.  In  the  following  : 

When,  for  instance,  the  events  are  distant  many 
years  or  ages  from  the  uttering  of  the  prediction  itself, 
depending  on  causes  not  so  much  as  existing  when  the 
prophecy  was  spoken  and  recorded,  and  likewise  upon 
various  circumstances  and  a  long  arbitrary  series  of 
things,  and  the  fluctuating  uncertainties  of  human  vo- 
litions;  and  especially  when   they  depend  not  at  all 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  27 

upon  any  external  circumstances,  nor  upon  any  cre- 
ated being,  but  arise  merely  from  the  counsels  and 
appointment  of  God  himself — such  events  can  be  fore- 
known only  by  that  Beincr,  one  of  whose  attributes  is 
omniscience,  and  can  be  foretold  by  him  only  to  whom 
the  "  Father  of  lights"  shall  reveal  them  ;  so  that  who- 
ever is  manifestly  endowed  with  that  predictive  power 
must,  in  that  instance,  speak  and  act  by  Divine  inspi- 
ration, and  what  he  pronounces  of  that  kind  must  be 
received  as  the  word  of  God ;  nothing  more  being  ne- 
cessary to  assure  us  of  this  than  credible  testimony  that 
such  predictions  were  uttered  before  the  event,  and 
conclusive  evidence  that  the  records  which  contain 
them  are  of  the  antiquity  to  which  they  pretend. 

Y.  Can  you  give  any  instances  of  this  kind  of  pro-, 
phecy,  and  its  fulfilment  ? 

T.  The  instances  which  the  Scriptures  supply  are 
very  numerous;  but  a  few  will  convince  you  of 
the  irresistible  force  of  their  claim  to  Divine  inspira- 
tion. 

1.  We  take,  first,  the  celebrated  prediction  of  Jacob 
before  his  death  :  ^'  The  sceptre  shall  not  depart  from 
Judah,  nor  a  lawgiver  from  between  his  feet,  until 
Shiloh  come;  and  unto  him  shall  the  gathering  of  the 
people  be."     Gon.  xlix.  10. 

The  word  Shiloh  signifies,  "  he  who  is  to  be  sent," 
or  ''the  Peace-maker;"  in  either  sense,  the  application 
of  it  to  that  great  Person  to  whom  all  the  patriarchs 
looked  forward,  and  all  the  prophets  gave  witness,  is 
obvious.  Before  a  certain  event  a  certiiin  Person  was 
to  come,  to  whom  the  people  should  be  gathered;  the 
event  has  certainly  arrived,  but  who  is  the  Person  ? 
The  application  of  the  prophecy  to  Messiah  is  not  an 
invention  of  Christians.  The  ancient  Jews,  as  appears 
from  their  commentators,  so  understood  it ;  and  the 
modern  ones  are  unable  to  refute  the  evidence  drawn 
from  it  in  favor  of  the  claims  of  our  Lord.     That  it  is 


28  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [nO.  HI. 

a  prediction  is  proved  from  its  form,  and  the  circum- 
stances under  whicli  it  was  delivered ;  that  it  has  re^ 
ceived  a  singular  accomplishment  in  the  person  of 
Jesus  of  Nazareth  is  also  certain;  and  it  is  equally 
certain  that  no  individual  beside  can  be  produced,  in 
whom  it  has  been  in  any  sense  whatever  accomplished. 
Judah,  as  a  tribe,  remained  till  after  the  advent  of 
Jesus  Christ,  which  cannot  be  said  of  the  long-dis- 
persed ten  tribes,  and  scarcely  of  Benjamin,  which  was 
merged  in  the  tribe  of  Judah.  Till  our  Lord  came, 
and  had  accomplished  his  work  on  earth,  the  tribe  of 
Judah  continued.  This  is  matter  of  unquestionable 
historic  fact.  In  a  short  time  afterward  it  was  dis- 
persed, and  mingled  with  the  common  mass  of  Jews 
of  all  tribes  and  countries  :  this  is  equally  unquestion- 
able. Now  again  we  ask,  Could  either  human  fore- 
sight determine  this,  or  is  the  application  of  the  event 
to  the  prophecy  fanciful  ?  The  prediction  was  uttered 
in  the  very  infancy  of  the  state  of  Israel,  by  the  father 
of  the  fathers  of  the  tribes  of  that  people.  Ages 
passed  away;  the  mightiest  empires  were  annihilated; 
ten  of  the  chosen  tribes  themselves  were  utterly  dis- 
persed into  unknown  countries;  another  became  so 
insignificant  as  to  lose  its  designation  ;  one  only  re- 
mained, which  imposed  its  very  name  upon  the  nation 
at  large,  the  object  of  public  observation  until  the 
Messiah  came,  and  that  tribe  was  Judah,  the  tribe 
spoken  of  in  the  prediction,  and  it  remained  as  it  were 
only  to  make  the  fulfilment  manifest,  and  was  then 
confounded  with  the  relics  of  the  rest.  What  pre- 
science of  countless  contingencies,  occurring  in  the 
intervening  ages,  does  this  imply! — a  prescience,  truly, 
which  can  only  belong  to  God. 

2.  The  apostasies  and  idolatries  of  his  people  were 
foretold  by  Moses  before  his  death.  "I  know  that 
after  my  death  yc  will  utterly  corrupt  yourselves,  and 
turn  aside  from  the  way  which  I  have  commanded  you, 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  29 

and  evil  will  befall  you  in  the  latter  days."  Dent.  xxxi. 
29.  And  he  accordingly  prophetically  declares  their 
punishment. 

Let  us  look  into  the  detail  of  these  threatened  pun- 
ishments. Beside  the  ordinary  inflictions  of  failing 
harvests,  and  severe  diseases,  in  their  own  country, 
they  were,  according  to  the  prophecies  of  Moses,  Deut. 
xxxiii.,  to  be  ''scattered  among  all  people,  from  the  one 
end  of  the  earth  even  to  the  other.''  And  where  is 
the  trading  nation  in  which  they  are  not,  in  Asia, 
Africa,  and  Europe  ?  Many  are  even  to  be  found  in 
the  West  Indies,  and  in  the  commercial  parts  of 
America.  Who  could  foresee  this  but  God — especially 
when  their  singular  preservation  as  a  distinct  people,  a 
solitary  instance  in  the  history  of  nations,  is  also  im- 
plied'/  They  were  to  find  ''no  ease"  among  these  na- 
tions; and  the  almost  constant  and  long-continued 
persecutions,  robberies,  and  murder  of  Jews,  not  only 
in  ancient  nations,  but  especially  among  Christian  na- 
tions of  the  middle  ages,  and  in  the  Mohammedan  states 
to  this  day,  are  in  wonderful  accomplishment  of  this. 
They  were  to  be  a  "proverb  and  a  byword  among  all 
nations,"  which  has  been  in  every  place  fulfilled,  but 
was  surely  above  human  intelligence  to  foresee.  It 
was  added,  "  The  stranger  that  is  within  thee  shall  get 
above  thee  very  high,  and  thou  shalt  come  very  low." 
For  a  comment  on  this,  let  the  conduct  of  the  "stran- 
ger," the  Turk  and  others,  who  inhabit  Palestine, 
toward  the  Jews  who  remain  there,  be  recollected  :  the 
one  party  is  indeed  "very  high,"  and  the  other  "very 
low."  Other  parts  of  this  singular  chapter  present 
equally  striking  predictions,  uttered  more  than  three 
thousand  years  ago,  and  since  remarkably  accomplished; 
but  there  are  some  passages  in  it  which  refer  in  terms 
so  particular  to  a  then  distant  event — the  utter  subver- 
sion of  their  polity  and  nation  by  the  Romans — as  to 
demonstrate  in  the  most  unequivocal  manner  the  pre- 


oO  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

science  of  Ilim  to  whom  all  events,  the  most  contingent, 
minute,  and  distant,  are  known  with  absolute  certainty. 
That  the  Eomans  are  intended,  in  verse  49,  by  the  na- 
tion brought  from  "the  end  of  the  earth,''  distin- 
guished by  their  well-known  ensign,  "  the  eagle,"  and 
by  their  fierce  and  cruel  disposition,  is  exceedingly 
probable ;  and  it  is  remarkable  that  the  account  which 
Moses  gives  of  the  horrors  of  the  ''siege'^  of  which  he 
speaks  is  exactly  paralleled  by  those  well-known  pas- 
sages in  Josephus,  in  which  he  describes  the  siege  of 
Jerusalem  by  the  Eoman  army.  The  last  verse  of  the 
chapter  seems  indeed  to  fix  the  reference  of  the  fore- 
going passages  to  the  final  destruction  of  the  nation  by 
the  Romans,  and  at  the  same  time  contains  a  predic- 
tion, the  accomplishment  of  which  cannot  possibly  be 
ascribed  to  accident :  "And  the  Lord  shall  bring  thee 
into  Egypt  again  with  ships,  by  the  way  whereof  I 
spake  unto  thee.  Thou  shalt  see  it  no  more  again  -,  and 
there  ye  shall  be  sold  unto  your  enemies  for  bondmen 
and  bondwomen,  and  no  man  shall  buy  you."  On  this 
Dr.  Hales  remarks,  on  the  authority  of  their  own  na- 
tional historian,  Josephus,  "Of  the  captives  taken  at 
the  siege  of  Jerusalem,  above  seventeen  years  of  age, 
some  were  sent  to  Egypt  in  chains  -,  the  greater  part 
were  distributed  through  the  provinces,  to  be  destroyed 
in  the  theatres,  by  the  sword,  and  by  wild  beasts ;  the 
rest  under  seventeen  were  sold  for  slaves,  and  that  for 
a  trifling  sum,  on  account  of  the  numbers  to  be  sold, 
and  the  scarcity  of  buyers :  so  that  at  length  the  pro- 
phecy of  Moses  was  fulfilled,  'and  no  man  shall  buy.' 
The  part  that  were  reserved  to  grace  the  triumph  of 
Vespasian  were  probably  transported  to  Italy  in  'ships,' 
or  by  sea,  to  avoid  a  prodigious  land  journey  thither 
through  Asia  and  Greece — a  circumstance  which  dis- 
tinguished this  invasion  and  captivity  from  the  pre- 
ceding by  the  Assyrians  and  Babylonians.  In  the 
ensuing  rebellion,  a  part  of  the  captives  'were  sent  by 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  31 

sea  to  Egypt/  and  several  of  the  ships  were  wrecked 
on  the  coast.^' 

Thus,  at  the  distance  of  fifteen  centuries,  were  these 
contingent  circumstances  accurately  recorded  by  the 
prophetic  spirit  of  Moses :  the  taking  of  innumerable 
Jews  captive — their  transport  to  Egypt — their  being 
sold  till  the  markets  for  slaves  were  glutted,  and  no 
more  buyers  were  found — and  embarked  on  board  ves- 
sels, either  to  grace  the  triumph  of  their  conqueror,  or 
to  find  a  market  in  diiferent  maritime  ports.  Is  it  pos- 
sible that  these  numerous  and  minute  circumstances 
can  be  referred  to  either  happy  conjectures  or  human 
foresight  ? 

3.  The  destruction  of  many  ancient  cities  was  fore- 
told by  the  prophets,  and  has  been  strikingly  verified. 
As  to  Babylon,  even  when  it  was  the  most  potent  city 
of  the  world,  and  at  the  head  of  the  most  formidable 
empire,  Isaiah  predicts  its  capture  by  Cyrus,  (men- 
tioning him  by  name  more  than  one  hundred  years  be- 
fore he  was  born,)  and  its  utter  destruction.  Now  the 
proof  of  the  truth  of  this  prophecy  remains  to  this  day. 
In  Bishop  Newton's  Dissertations  on  the  Prophecies, 
which  I  recommend  to  your  perusal,  you  will  find  this 
part  of  prophetic  Scripture  strikingly  illustrated.  And 
still  further  proofs  of  the  wonderfully  exact  accomplish- 
ment of  those  prophecies,  and  of  the  predictions  con- 
cerning Nineveh  and  other  places,  may  be  seen  in  the 
works  of  Rich,  Layard,  Rawlinson,  Hincks,  Botta, 
Bonomi,  and  others,  whose  researches  and  discoveries 
in  the  East  are  astonishing  to  the  believer  in  revelation, 
and  confounding  to  the  infidel. 

4.  Daniel  distinctly  predicts  the  overthrow,  in  suc- 
cession, of  the  four  great  empires  of  antiquity,  the 
Babylonian,  the  Persian,  the  Grecian,  and  the  Roman, 
all  of  which  has  taken  place ;  but  neither  the  rise  of 
the  three  latter,  nor  their  fall,  could  have  been  fore- 
seen by  man. 


32  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  IIIv 

5.  But  the  most  numerous  prophecies  relate  to  Mes- 
siah, the  great  end  and  object  of  the  prophetic  dispen- 
sation. Of  these,  not  a  solitary  instance  or  two,  of  an 
equivocal  kind,  and  expressed  only  in  figurative  or 
symbolic  laniruaire,  are  to  bo  adduced;  but  upward  of 
one  hundred  predictions,  generally  of  very  clear  and 
explicit  meaning,  and  each  referring  to  some  diiferent 
circumstance  connected  with  the  appearing  of  Christ, 
his  person,  history,  and  his  ministry,  have  been  selected 
by  divines — exclusive  of  typical  and  allusive  predic- 
tions, and  those  which  in  an  ultimate  and  remote  sense 
are  believed  to  terminate  in  him.  The  history  of  Jesus 
answers  to  these  predictions,  and  exhibits  their  exact 
accomplishment.  The  Messiah  was  to  be  of  the  seed 
of  David — born  in  Bethlehem — born  of  a  virgin — an 
incarnation  of  Deity — ''God  with  us'^ — an  eminent  but 
unsuccessful  teacher  :  he  was  to  open  the  eyes  of  the 
blind,  heal  the  lame  and  sick,  and  raise  the  dead;  he 
was  to  be  despised  and  rejected  by  his  own  countrymen, 
arraigned  on  false  charges,  denied  justice,  and  con- 
demned to  a  violent  death ;  he  was  to  rise  from  the 
dead,  ascend  to  the  right  hand  of  God,  and  there  being 
invested  with  power  and  authority,  he  was  to  punish 
his  enemies,  and  establish  his  own  spiritual  kingdom, 
which  shall  never  end.  We  do  not  enter  into  more 
niinute  predictions,  for  the  argument  is  irresistible 
w^hen  founded  on  these  alone ;  and  we  may  assert  that 
no  man,  or  number  of  men,  could  possibly  have  made 
such  conjectures.  Considered  in  themselves,  this  is 
impossible.  What  rational  man,  or  number  of  rational 
men,  could  now  be  found  to  hazard  a  conjecture  that 
an  incarnation  of  Deity  Avould  occur  in  any  given  place 
and  time ;  that  this  Divine  person  should  teach  wisdom, 
work  miracles,  be  unjustly  put  to  death,  rise  again,  and 
establish  his  religion  '^  These  are  thoughts  which 
never  enter  into  the  minds  of  men,  because  they  arc 
suggested   by  no   experience;   and  by  no  probability 


1^0.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  33 

arising  out  of  the  usual  course  of  human  affairs ;  and 
yet  if  the  prophets  had  not  been  inspired,  it  would  have 
been  as  impossible  for  them  to  have  conceived  such 
expectations  as  for  us ;  and  indeed  much  more  so,  see- 
ing we  are  now  familiar  with  a  religion  which  asserts 
that  such  events  have  once  occurred.  If,  then,  such 
events  lay  beyond  not  only  human  foresight,  but  even 
human  thought,  they  can  only  be  referred  to  inspira- 
tion. But  the  case  does  not  close  here.  How  shall 
we  account,  in  the  next  place,  for  these  circumstances 
all  having  met,  strange  as  they  are,  in  one  person,  and 
in  one  only  among  all  the  millions  of  men  who  have 
been  born  of  women — and  that  person  Jesus  of  Naza- 
reth ?  He  was  of  the  house  and  lineage  of  David;  he 
was  born,  and  that  by  a  singular  event,  in  Bethlehem; 
he  professed  to  be  "  God  with  us,"  and  wrought 
miracles  to  substantiate  his  claim.  At  his  word  or 
touch,  the  "eyes  of  the  blind  were  opened,'^  "the  lame 
leaped  as  a  hart,''  the  dumb  spake,  the  sick  were 
healed,  and  the  dead  lived,  as  the  prophets  had  fore- 
told. Of  the  wisdom  of  his  teaching,  his  recorded  dis- 
courses bear  witness.  His  rejection  and  unjust  death 
by  his  countrymen  are  matters  of  historic  fact;  his 
resurrection  and  ascension  stand  upon  the  lofty  evi- 
dences which  have  been  already  adduced ;  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  Jewish  nation,  according  to  his  own  predic- 
tions, followed  as  a  proof  of  the  terror  of  his  offended 
majesty;  and  his  "kingdom"  among  men  continues  to 
this  day.  There  is  no  possible  means  of  evading  the 
evidence  of  the  fulfilment  of  these  predictions  in  the 
person  of  our  Lord. 

To  all  these  predictions  the  words  of  a  modern 
writer  are  applicable:  "Let  now  the  infidel  or  the 
skeptical  reader  meditate  thoroughly  and  soberly  upon 
these  predictions.  The  priority  of  the  records  to  the 
events  admits  of  no  question.  The  completion  is  ob- 
vious to  every  competent  inquirer.      Here  then  are 


34  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

facts.  We  are  called  upon  to  account  for  those  facts 
on  rational  and  adequate  principles.  Is  human  fore- 
sight equal  to  the  task  ?  Enthusiasm  ?  Conjecture  ? 
Chance  'i  Political  contrivance  ?  If  none  of  these, 
neither  any  other  principle  that  may  be  devised  by 
man's  sagacity  can  account  for  the  facts ;  then  true 
philosophy,  as  well  as  true  religion,  will  ascribe  them 
to  the  inspiration  of  the  Almighty.  Every  effect  must 
have  a  cause.'' 

Y.  This  is  evidence  not  to  be  controverted;  but 
how  shall  I  know  that  these  miraculous  works  did  in 
reality  take  place,  and  that  these  prophecies  were 
uttered  and  recorded  before  the  events  which  they 
foretell  ? 

T.  This  is  the  third  step  in  our  demonstration )  and 
on  this  subject  you  shall  receive  satisfactory  informa- 
tion. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE    ANTIQUITY,    GENUINENESS,    AND    AUTHENTICITY 
OF   THE   BOOKS    OF    SCRIPTURE. 

Y.  At  what  period  did  Moses  become  the  legislator 
of  the  Jewish  nation,  and  Christ  appear  in  the  world  ? 

T.  Moses  gave  his  laws  about  sixteen  hundred  years 
before  Christ,  according  to  the  common  chronology, 
which  fixes  the  birth  of  our  Lord  upward  of  eighteen 
centuries  ago. 

Y.  Is  there  any  testimony  of  ancient  pagan  writers 
as  to  the  existence  and  antiquity  of  these  distinguished 
persons  ? 

T.  Yes ',  for  though  some  infidel  writers  have  car- 
ried their  folly  so  far  as  to  question  their  existence, 
we  have  the  testimony  of  numerous  pagan  writers,  as 
well  as  uninterrupted  tradition,  to  confirm  it. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  35 

Y.  Have  the  kindness  to  give  me  some  instances. 

T.  To  the  existence  of  the  founders  of  the  Jewish 
and  Christian  religion,  and  the  respective  antiquity 
ascribed  to  them  in  the  Scriptures,  many  ancient 
writers  give  ample  testimony ;  who,  being  themselves 
neither  of  the  Jewish  nor  Christian  religion,  cannot  be 
suspected  of  having  had  any  design  to  furnish  evi- 
dence of  the  truth  of  either.  Manetho,  Cheremon, 
Apollonius,  and  Lysimachus,  beside  some  other  ancient 
Egyptians  whose  histories  are  now  lost,  are  quoted  by 
Josephus  as  extant  in  his  day ;  and  passages  are  col- 
lected from  them,  in  which  they  agree  that  Moses  was 
the  leader  of  the  Jews  when  they  departed  from 
Egypt,  and  the  founder  of  their  laws.  Strabo,  who 
flourished  in  the  century  before  Christ,  gives  an  ac- 
count of  the  law  of  Moses,  as  forbidding  images,  and 
limiting  Divine  worship  to  one  invisible  and  universal 
Being.  Justin,  a  Roman  historian,  in  his  thirty-sixth 
book,  devotes  a  chapter  to  an  account  of  the  origin  of 
the  Jews :  represents  them  as  sprung  from  ten  sons  of 
Israel,  and  speaks  of  Moses  as  the  commander  of  the 
Jews  who  went  out  of  Egypt,  of  the  institution  of  the 
Sabbath,  and  the  priesthood  of  Aaron.  Pliny  speaks 
of  Moses  as  giving  rise  to  a  sect  of  magicians,  probably 
with  reference  to  his  contest  with  the  magicians  of 
Egypt.  Tacitus  says,  "  Moses  gave  a  new  form  of  wor- 
ship to  the  Jews,  and  a  system  of  religious  ceremonies 
the  reverse  of  every  thing  known  to  any  other  age  or 
country.^^  Juvenal,  in  his  fourteenth  satire,  mentions 
Moses  as  the  author  of  a  volume  which  was  preserved 
with  great  care  among  the  Jews,  by  which  the  worship 
of  images  and  eating  swine's  flesh  were  forbidden  ;  and 
circumcision  and  the  observation  of  the  Sabbath 
strictly  enjoined.  Longinus  cites  Moses  as  the  law- 
giver of  the  Jews,  and  praises  the  sublimity  of  his 
style  in  the  account  he  gives  of  the  creation.  As  to 
Christ,  it  is  only  necessary  to  give  the  testimony  of 


36  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

two  historians,  whose  antiquity  no  one  ever  thought 
of  disputing.  Suetonius  mentions  hiiu  by  name,  and 
says  that  Claudius  expelled  from  Rome  those  who  ad- 
hered to  his  cause.  Tacitus  records  the  progress 
which  the  Christian  religion  had  made,  and  the  vio- 
lent death  its  Founder  had  suffered  )  that  he  flourished 
under  the  reign  of  Tiberius ;  that  Pilate  was  then  pro- 
curator of  Judea;  and  that  the  original  author  of  this 
profession  was  Christ.  Thus  not  only  the  real  exist- 
ence of  the  Founder  of  Christianity,  but  the  period  in 
which  he  lived,  is  exactly  ascertained  by  writings  the 
genuineness  of  which  has  never  been  doubted. 

Y.  Proceed  now  to  show  me  on  what  ground  I  am 
to  admit  the  professed  antiquity  of  the  Sacred  Scrip- 
tures, which  appears  also  to  be  an  important  point. 

T.  It  is ',  for  if  the  writings  in  question  were  com- 
posed at  or  very  near  the  time  in  which  the  miraculous 
acts  recorded  in  them  were  performed,  then  the  evi- 
dence of  those  events  having  occurred  is  rendered  the 
stronger,  for,  in  that  case,  they  were  written  at  the 
time  when  many  were  living  who  might  have  contra- 
dicted the  narration  if  false;  and  the  improbability  is 
also  greater,  that,  in  the  very  age  and  place  when  and 
where  those  events  are  said  to  have  been  performed, 
any  writer  would  have  dared  to  run  the  hazard  of 
prompt,  certain,  and  disgraceful  detection.  It  is 
equally  important  in  the  evidence  from  prophecy ;  for 
if  the  predictions  were  recorded  long  before  the  events 
which  accomplished  them  took  place,  then  the  only 
question  which  remains  is  whether  the  accomplish- 
ment actually  occurred ;  for  then  the  evidence  becomes 
irresistible. 

Y.  I  perceive  the  importance  of  this  inquiry :  what 
then  can  be  adduced  ? 

T.  With  respect  to  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, the  language  in  which  they  are  written  is  a 
strong  proof  of  their  antiquity.     The  Hebrew  ceased 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  37 

to  be  spoken  as  a  living  language  soon  after  the  Baby- 
lonish captivity,  and  the  learned  agree  that  there  was 
no  grammar  made  for  the  Hebrew  till  many  ages  after. 
The  difficulty  of  a  forgery  at  any  period  after  the  time 
of  that  captivity  is  therefore  apparent.  Of  these 
books,  too,  there  was  a  Greek  translation,  commonly 
called  the  Septuagint,  made  about  two  hundred  and 
eighty-seven  years  before  the  Christian  era,  and  laid 
up  in  the  Alexandrian  Library. 

Josephus  gives  a  catalogue  of  the  sacred  books 
among  the  Jews,  in  which  he  expressly  mentions  the 
five  books  of  Moses,  thirteen  of  the  prophets,  four  of 
hymns  and  moral  precepts;  and  if,  as  many  critics 
maintain,  Kuth  was  added  to  Judges,  and  the  Lament- 
ations of  Jeremiah  to  his  prophecies,  the  number 
agrees  with  those  of  the  Old  Testament,  as  it  is  re- 
ceived at  the  present  day. 

The  Samaritans,  who  separated  from  the  Jews  many 
hundred  years  before  the  birth  of  Christ,  have  in  their 
language  a  pentateuch,  in  the  main  exactly  agreeing 
with  the  Hebrew;  and  the  pagan  writers  before  cited, 
with  many  others,  speak  of  Moses  not  only  as  a  law- 
giver and  a  prince,  but  as  the  author  of  books  esteemed 
sacred  by  the  Jews. 

Y.  If  the  writings  of  Moses,  then,  are  not  genuine, 
the  forgery  must  have  taken  place  at  a  very  early 
period. 

T.  Yes ;  but  a  few  considerations  will  convince  you 
that  at  any  time  this  was  utterly  impossible. 

Y.  This  I  shall  be  happy  to  see  made  plain. 

T.  It  is  done  to  my  hand  by  the  argument  of  a  cele- 
brated writer,"^'  which  I  shall  abridge,  referring  you  to 
his  work  for  the  proof  at  large. 

"It  is  impossible  that  those  books  should  have  been 
received  as  his,  if  not  written  by  him,  because  they 

*  Leslie's  Short  and  Easy  Method  with  the  Deists. 


38  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

speak  of  themselves  as  delivered  by  Moses,  and  kept 
in  the  ark  from  his  time.  Deut.  xxxi.  24-26.  A  copy 
of  this  book  was  also  to  be  left  with  the  king.  Deut. 
xvii.  18. 

"  This  book  of  the  law  thus  speaks  of  itself  not  only 
as  a  history  or  relation  of  what  things  were  done,  but  as 
the  standing  and  municipal  law  and  statutes  of  the  nar 
tion  of  the  Jews,  binding  the  king  as  well  as  the  peo- 
ple. Now  in  whatever  age  after  Moses  this  book  may 
be  supposed  to  have  been  forged,  it  was  impossible 
that  it  could  be  received  as  truth,  because  it  was  not 
then  to  be  found  (as  it  professed  to  be)  either  in  the 
ark,  or  with  the  king,  or  anywhere  else ;  for  when  first 
invented,  everybody  must  know  that  they  had  never 
heard  of  it  before. 

^'  Could  any  man,  now  at  this  day,  invent  a  book  of 
statutes  or  acts  of  parliament  for  England,  and  make 
it  pass  upon  the  nation  as  the  only  book  of  statutes 
that  ever  they  had  known  ?  As  impossible  was  it  for 
the  books  of  Moses  (if  they  were  invented  in  any  age 
after  IMoses)  to  have  been  received  for  what  they  de- 
clare themselves  to  be,  viz.,  the  statutes  and  municipal 
law  of  the  nation  of  the  Jews ;  and  for  any  to  have 
persuaded  the  Jews  that  they  had  owned  and  acknow- 
ledged these  books  all  along  from  the  days  of  Moses  to 
that  day  in  which  they  were  first  invented ',  that  is, 
tliat  they  had  owned  them  before  they  had  even  so 
much  as  heard  of  them.  Nay,  more,  the  whole  nation 
must,  in  an  instant,  forget  their  former  laws  and  gov- 
ernment, if  they  could  receive  these  books  as  being 
their  former  laws.  And  they  could  not  otherwise  re- 
ceive them,  because  they  vouched  themselves  so  to  be. 
Let  me  ask  the  deists  but  one  short  question :  Was 
there  ever  a  book  of  sham  laws,  which  were  not  the 
laws  of  the  nation,  palmed  upon  any  people  since  the 
world  began  ?  If  not,  with  what  face  can  they  say 
this  of  the  book  of  laws  of  the  Jews  ?     Why  will  they 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  39 

say  that  of  them  which  they  confess  impossible  in  any 
nation  or  among  any  people  ? 

"  But  they  must  be  yet  more  unreasonable.  For  the 
books  of  Moses  have  a  further  demonstration  of  their 
truth  than  even  other  law  books  have  3  for  they  not  only 
contain  the  laws,  but  give  an  historical  account  of  their 
institution,  and  the  practice  of  them  from  that  time  :  as 
of  the  passover,  in  memory  of  the  death  of  the  first- 
born in  Egypt,  Num.  viii.  17,  18 ;  and  that  the  same 
day  all  the  first-born  of  Israel,  both  of  man  and  beast, 
were,  by  a  perpetual  law,  dedicated  to  God;  and  the 
Levites  taken  for  all  the  first-born  of  the  children  of 
Israel.  And  beside  these  remembrances  of  particular 
actions  and  occurrences,  there  were  other  solemn  insti- 
tutions in  memory  of  their  deliverance  out  of  Egypt, 
in  the  general,  which  included  all  the  particulars  :  as 
the  Sabbath ;  their  daily  sacrifices  and  yearly  expia- 
tion ;  their  new  moons,  and  several  feasts  and  fasts. 
So  that  there  were  yearly,  monthly,  weekly,  daily  re- 
membrances and  recognitions  of  these  things. 

''  Now  whenever  it  can  be  supposed  that  these  books 
of  Moses  were  forged  in  some  ages  after  Moses,  it  is 
impossible  they  could  have  been  received  as  true,  un- 
less the  forgers  could  have  made  the  whole  nation  be- 
lieve that  they  had  received  these  books  from  their 
fathers,  had  been  instructed  in  them  when  they  were 
children,  and  had  taught  them  to  their  children ; 
moreover,  that  they  had  all  been  circumcised,  and  did 
circumcise  their  children,  in  pursuance  to  what  was 
commanded  in  these  books;  that  they  had  observed 
the  yearly  passover,  the  weekly  Sabbath,  the  new 
moons,  and  all  these  several  feasts,  fasts,  and  ceremo- 
nies commanded  in  these  books.  But  was  it  possible 
to  have  persuaded  a  whole  nation  of  men  that  they 
had  known  and  practiced  all  these  things,  if  they  had 
not  done  it  ?  or,  secondly,  to  have  received  a  book  for 


40  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

trutli  which  said  they  had  practiced  them,  and 
appealed  to  that  practice  ? 

'^  But  now  let  us  descend  to  the  utmost  degree  of 
supposition,  viz.,  that  these  things  were  practiced  be-, 
fore  these  books  of  Moses  were  forged;  and  that  those 
books  did  only  impose  upon  the  nation  in  making  them 
believe  that  they  had  kept  these  observances  in  mem- 
ory of  such  and  such  things  as  were  inserted  in  these 
books. 

"  Well,  then,  let  us  proceed  upon  this  supposition, 
(however  groundless,)  and  now  will  not  the  same  im- 
possibilities occur  as  in  the  former  case  ?  For,  first, 
this  must  suppose  that  the  Jews  kept  all  these  observ- 
ances in  memory  of  nothing,  or  without  knowing  any 
thing  of  their  original,  or  the  reason  why  they  kept 
them.  Whereas  these  very  observances  did  express 
the  ground  and  reason  of  their  being  kept,  as  the  pass- 
over,  in  memory  of  God's  passing  over  the  children  of 
the  Israelites  in  that  night  wherein  he  slew  all  the 
first-born  of  Egypt ;  and  so  of  the  rest. 

"But,  secondly,  let  us  suppose,  contrary  both  to 
reason  and  matter  of  fact,  that  the  Jews  did  not  know 
any  reason  at  all  why  they  kept  these  observances ; 
yet  was  it  possible  to  persuade  them  that  they  had 
kept  these  observances  in  memory  of  what  they  had 
never  heard  of  before  that  day,  whensoever  you  will 
suppose  that  these  books  of  Moses  were  first  forged  i' 
For  example,  suppose  I  should  now  forge  some  roman- 
tic story  of  strange  things  done  a  thousand  years  ago; 
and,  in  confirmation  of  this,  should  endeavor  to  per- 
suade the  Christian  world  that  they  had  all  along,  from 
that  day  to  this,  kept  the  first  day  of  the  week  in  mem- 
ory of  such  a  lioro,  an  Apollonius,  a  Barcosbas,  or  a 
Mohammed ;  and  had  all  been  baptized  in  his  name ; 
and  swore  by  his  name,  and  upon  that  very  book, 
(which  I  had  then  forged,  and  which  they  never  saw 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  41 

before,)  in  their  public  judicatures;  that  this  book 
was  their  crospel  and  kiw,  which  they  had  ever  since 
that  time,  these  thousand  years  past,  universally  received 
and  owned,  and  none  other.  I  would  ask  any  deist 
whether  he  thinks  it  possible  that  such  a  cheat  could 
pass,  or  such  a  legend  be  received,  as  the  gospel 
of  Christians ;  and  that  they  could  be  made  to  believe 
they  never  had  any  other  gospel. 

''  Let  me  give  one  very  familiar  example  more  in 
this  case.  There  is  the  Stonehenge,  in  Salisbury 
Plain;  everybody  knows  it;  and  yet  none  knows  the 
reason  why  those  great  stones  were  set  there,  or  by 
whom,  or  in  memory  of  what. 

"  Now,  suppose  I  should  write  a  book  to-morrow,  and 
tell  them  that  these  stones  were  set  up  by  Hercules, 
Polyphemus,  or  Garagantua,  in  memory  of  such  and 
such  of  their  actions;  and,  for  a  further  confirmation 
of  this,  should  say  in  this  book  that  it  was  written  at 
the  time  when  such  actions  were  done,  and  b}'  the  very 
actors  themselves,  or  eye-witnesses ;  and  that  this  book 
bad  been  received  as  truth,  and  quoted  by  authors  of 
the  greatest  reputation,  in  all  ages  since ;  moreover, 
that  this  book  was  well  known  in  England,  and  en- 
joined by  act  of  parliament  to  be  taught  our  children, 
and  that  we  did  teach  it  to  our  children,  and  had  been 
taught  it  ourselves  when  we  were  children.  I  ask  any 
deist  whether  he  thinks  this  could  pass  upon  England; 
and  whether,  if  I  or  any  other  should  insist  upon  it, 
we  should  not,  instead  of  being  believed,  be  sent  to 
Bedlam." 

This  able  reasoning  has  never  been  refuted,  nor  can  it 
be ;  and  if  the  books  of  the  law  must  have  been  written 
by  Moses,  it  is  as  easy  to  prove  that  Moses  himself 
could  not  in  the  nature  of  the  thing  have  deceived  the 
people  by  an  imposture,  and  a  pretence  of  miraculous 
attestations,  in  order,  like  some  later  lawgivers  among 
the  heathenS;  to  bring  the  people  more  willingly  to 


42  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

submit  to  his  institutions.  The  kind  of  miracles  he 
gives  as  instances  rendered  this  impossible.  '' Sup- 
pose/' says  the  same  writer,  "any  man  should  pretend 
that  yesterday  he  divided  the  Thames,  in  presence  of 
all  the  people  of  London,  and  carried  the  whole  city, 
men,  women,  and  children,  over  to  Southwark  on  dry 
land,  the  water  standing  like  walls  on  both  sides  :  I  say, 
it  is  morally  impossible  that  he  could  persuade  the 
people  of  London  that  this  was  true,  when  every  man, 
woman,  and  child  could  contradict  him,  and  say  that 
this  was  a  notorious  falsehood,  for  that  they  had  not 
seen  the  Thames  so  divided,  nor  had  they  gone  over  on 
dry  land. 

''As  to  Moses,  I  suppose  it  will  be  allowed  me  that 
he  could  not  have  persuaded  600,000  men  that  he  had 
brought  them  out  of  Egypt,  through  the  Red  Sea,  fed 
them  forty  years  without  bread,  by  miraculous  manna, 
and  the  other  matters  of  fact  recorded  in  his  books,  if 
they  had  not  been  true ;  because  every  man's  senses, 
then  alive,  must  have  contradicted  it.  And  therefore 
he  must  have  imposed  upon  all  their  senses  if  he  could 
have  made  them  believe  it,  when  it  was  false,  and  if  no 
such  things  were  done.'' 

By  these  arguments,  the  genuineness  and  authen- 
ticity of  the  books  of  Moses  are  established ;  and  as  to 
those  of  the  prophets,  which,  with  some  predictions  in 
the  writings  of  Moses,  comprise  the  prophetic  branch 
of  the  evidence  of  the  Divine  authority  of  the  revela- 
tions they  contain,  it  can  be  proved  both  from  Jewish 
tradition,  the  list  of  Josephus,  the  Greek  translation, 
and  from  their  being  quoted  by  ancient  writers,  that 
they  existed  many  ages  before  several  of  those  events 
occurred. 

The  same  author  from  whom  we  have  already  quoted* 
applies  his  celebrated  four  rules,  for  determining  the 

*  Leslie. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  43 

truth  of  matters  of  fact  in  general,  with  equal  force  to 
the  facts  of  the  gospel  history  as  to  those  contained  in 
the  Mosaic  writings.  The  rules  are:  "1.  That  the 
matter  of  fact  be  such  as  that  men's  outward  senses, 
their  eyes  and  ears,  may  be  judges  of  it.  2.  That  it 
be  done  publicly  in  the  face  of  the  world.  3.  That 
not  only  public  monuments  be  kept  up  in  memory  of  it, 
but  some  outward  actions  be  performed.  4.  That  such 
monuments,  and  such  actions  and  observances,  be  in- 
stituted and  do  commence  from  the  time  that  the 
matter  of  fact  was  done.'' 

We  have  seen  the  manner  in  which  these  rules  are 
applied  to  the  books  of  Moses.  The  author  thus  ap- 
plies them  to  the  gospel : 

''I  come  now  to  show  that,  as  in  the  matters  of  fact 
of  Moses,  so  likewise  all  these  four  marks  do  meet  in 
the  matters  of  fact  which  are  recorded  in  the  gospel  of 
our  blessed  Saviour.  And  my  work  herein  will  be  the 
shorter,  because  all  that  is  said  before  of  3Ioses  and  his 
books,  is  every  way  as  applicable  to  Christ  and  his  gos- 
pel. His  works  and  his  miracles  are  there  said  to  be 
done  publicly  in  the  face  of  the  world ;  as  he  argued 
with  his  accusers,  'I  spake  openly  to  the  world,  and  in 
secret  have  I  said  nothing.'  John  xviii.  20.  It  is  told, 
Acts  ii.  41,  that  three  thousand  at  one  time,  and,  Acts 
iv.  4,  that  above  five  thousand  at  another  time,  were 
converted,  upon  conviction  of  what  themselves  had  seen, 
what  had  been  done  publicly  before  their  eyes,  wherein 
it  was  impossible  to  have  imposed  upon  them.  Therefore 
here  were  the  two  first  rules  before  mentioned. 

"  Then  for  the  two  second  :  Baptism  and  the  Lord's 
Supper  were  instituted  as  perpetual  memorials  of  these 
things ;  and  they  were  not  instituted  in  after  ages,  but 
at  the  very  time  when  these  things  were  said  to  be 
done;  and  have  been  observed  without  interruption,  in 
all  ages  throughout  the  whole  (Christian  world,  down  all 
the  way  from  that  time  to  this.     And  Christ  himself 


44  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

did  ordain  apostles  and  other  ministers  of  his  gospel  to 
preach  and  administer  the  sacraments,  and  to  govern 
his  Church ;  and  that  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world.  Matt,  xviii.  20.  Accordingly  they  have  con- 
tinued by  regular  succession  to  this  day;  and  no  doubt 
ever  shall,  while  the  earth  shall  last.  So  that  the 
Christian  clergy  are  as  notorious  a  matter  of  fact  as  the 
tribe  of  Levi  among  the  Jews.  And  the  gospel  is  as 
much  a  law  to  the  Christians  as  the  book  of  Moses 
to  the  Jews ;  and  it  being  part  of  the  matters  of 
fact  related  in  the  gospel  that  such  an  order  of  men 
were  appointed  by  Christ,  and  to  continue  to  the  end 
of  the  world,  consequently,  if  the  gospel  was  a  fiction, 
and  invented  (as  it  must  be)  in  some  ages  after  Christ, 
then,  at  that  time  when  it  was  first  invented,  there 
could  be  no  such  order  of  clergy  as  derived  themselves 
from  the  institution  of  Christ ;  which  must  give  the 
lie  to  the  gospel,  and  demonstrate  the  whole  to  be  false. 
And  the  matters  of  fact  of  Christ  being  pressed  to  be 
true,  no  otherwise  than  as  there  was  at  that  time  (when- 
ever the  deists  will  suppose  the  gospel  to  be  forged) 
not  only  public  sacraments  of  Christ's  institutions,  but 
an  order  of  clergy,  likewise  of  his  appointment,  to  ad- 
minister them;  and  it  being  impossible  that  there 
could  be  any  such  things  before  they  were  invented,  it 
is  as  impossible  that  they  should  be  received  when  in- 
vented. And  therefore,  by  what  was  said  above,  it  was 
as  impossible  to  have  imposed  upon  mankind  in  this 
matter,  by  inventing  it  in  after  ages,  as  at  the  time 
when  those  things  were  said  to  be  done.'' 

Y.  This  is  indeed  very  convincing,  and  on  this  point 
I  am  satisfied  that  neither  the  writings  of  Moses,  nor 
those  of  the  evangelists,  could  have  been  forged,  and 
yet  be  received  as  true,  in  any  age. 

T.  Yet  other  proofs  may  be  brought  from  the  testi- 
monies of  adversaries  and  heathens,  to  the  truth  of  the 
history  of  the  evangelists. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEY  AN   CATECHISM.  45 

Y.  I  will  thank  you  to  point  them  out. 

T.  No  public  contradiction  of  this  history  was  ever 
put  forth  by  the  Jewish  rulers  to  stop  the  progress  of 
a  hated  religion,  though  they  had  every  motive  to  con- 
tradict it.  This  silence  is  not  unimportant  evidence ; 
but  the  direct  testimonies  to  the  facts  are  numerous 
and  important, 

Wc  have  already  quoted  the  testimonies  of  Tacitus 
and  Suetonius  to  the  existence  of  Jesus  Christ,  the 
founder  of  the  Christian  religion,  and  to  his  crucifixion 
in  the  reign  of  Tiberius,  and  during  the  procuratorship 
of  l*ontius  Pilate,  the  time  in  which  the  evangelists 
place  that  event.  Other  references  to  heathen  authors, 
who  incidentally  allude  to  Christ,  his  religion,  and  fol- 
lowers, might  be  given ;  such  as  Martial,  Juvenal, 
Epictetus,  Trajan,  the  younger  Pliny,  Adrian,  Apuleius, 
Lucian  of  Samosata,  etc.,  some  of  whom  also  afibrd  tes- 
timony to  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  at  the  time 
and  in  the  circumstances  predicted  by  our  Saviour,  and 
to  the  antiquity  and  genuineness  of  the  books  of  tlie 
New  Testament.  ]>ut,  as  it  is  well  observed  by  the 
learned  Lardner,  in  his  "Collection  of  Jewi.sh  and 
Heathen  Testimonies,"  "Among  all  the  testimonies  to 
Christianity  which  we  have  met  with  in  the  first  ages, 
none  are  more  valuable  and  important  than  the  testi- 
monies of  those  learned  philosophers  who  wrote  against 
us  —  Celsus  in  the  second  century.  Porphyry  and 
Hierocles  in  the  third,  and  Julian  in  the  fourth." 

Celsus  wrote  against  Christianity  not  much  above 
one  hundred  and  thirty  years  after  our  Lord's  ascen- 
sion, and  his  books  were  answered  by  the  celebrated 
Origen.  He  was  a  most  bitter  enemy  of  Christianity, 
and  produces  many  passages  out  of  the  Gospels.  He 
represents  Jesus  to  have  lived  a  few  years  before.  He 
mentions  his  being  born  of  a  virgin ;  the  angel's  ap- 
pearing to  Joseph  ;  the  star  that  appeared  at  his  birth ; 
the  wise  men  that  came  to  worship  him  when  an  infant; 


46  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

Herod's  massacre  of  the  children;  Joseph's  fleeing 
with  the  child  into  Esrypt  by  the  admonition  of  an 
anirel ;  the  Holy  Ghost's  descending  on  Jesus  like  a 
dove,  when  he  was  baptized  by  John ;  and  the  voice 
from  heaven  declaring  him  to  be  the  Son  of  God  ;  his 
going  about  with  his  disciples ;  his  healing  the  sick 
and  lame,  and  raising  the  dead ;  his  foreteUing  his  own 
sufferings  and  resurrection;  his  being  betrayed  and 
forsaken  by  his  own  disciples ;  his  suffering,  both  of  his 
own  accord,  and  in  obedience  to  his  Heavenly  Father; 
his  grief  and  trouble,  and  his  praying,  "Fathei-,  if  it  be 
jiossiblc,  let  this  ciqi  2^^^^  from  me;"  the  ignominious 
treatment  he  met  with,  the  robe  that  was  put  upon  him, 
the  crown  of  thorns,  the  reed  put  into  his  hand,  his 
drinking  vinegar  and  gall,  and  his  being  scourged  and 
crucitied ;  his  being  seen  after  his  resurrection  by  a 
fanatical  woman,  (as  he  calls  her,  meaning  Mary  Mag- 
dalene,) and  by  his  own  companions  and  disciples;  and 
his  showing  them  his  hands  that  were  pierced,  the 
marks  of  his  punishment.  He  also  mentions  the  an- 
gels being  seen  at  his  sepulchre. 

It  is  true,  he  mentions  all  these  things  only  with  a 
design  to  ridicule  and  expose  them.  But  they  furnish 
us  with  an  uncontested  proof  that  the  gospel  was  then 
extant.  Accordingly  he  expressly  tells  the  Christians, 
"  These  things  ice  have  j^^'ochiced  out  of  your  own 
writings." 

Porphyry  flourished  about  the  year  270 ;  a  man  of 
great  abilities ;  and  his  work  against  the  Christians,  in 
fifteen  books,  was  long  esteemed  by  the  Gentiles,  and 
thought  worthy  of  being  answered  by  Eusebius,  and 
others  in  groat  repute  for  learning.  He  was  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  books  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments, and  in  his  writings  are  plain  references  to  the 
Gospels  of  Matthew,  ]\Iark,  John,  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles,  and  the  Epistle  to  the  Calatians,  and  pro- 
bable references  to  the  other  Epistles  of  St.  Paul. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEY  AN   CATECHISM.  47 

About  the  year  303,  Hieroeles,  a  man  of  learning, 
and  a  magistrate,  wrote  against  the  Christians  in  two 
books.  He  was  well  acquainted  with  our  Scriptures, 
and  made  many  objections  to  them,  thereby  bearing- 
testimony  to  their  antiquity,  and  to  the  great  respect 
which  was  shown  them  by  the  Christians  \  for  he  has 
referred  both  to  the  Gospels  and  to  the  Epistles.  He 
mentioned  Peter  and  Paul  by  name,  and  did  not  deny 
the  truth  of  our  Saviour's  miracles;  but,  in  order  to 
overthrow  the  argument  which  the  Christians  built 
upon  them,  he  set  up  the  reputed  miracles  of  Apol- 
lonius  Tyanseus  to  rival  them. 

The  Emperor  Julian,  who  succeeded  Constautius  in 
the  year  3(31,  also  wrote  against  the  Christians,  and  in 
his  work  has  undesignedly  borne  a  valuable  testimony 
to  the  history  and  books  of  the  New  Testament.  He 
allows  that  Jesus  was  born  in  the  reign  of  Augus- 
tus, at  the  time  of  a  taxing  made  in  Judea  by  Cy- 
renius;  and  that  the  Christian  religion  had  its  rise 
and  began  to  be  propagated  in  the  times  of  the  Roman 
Emperors  Tiberius  and  Claudius.  He  bears  witness 
to  the  genuineness  and  authenticity  of  the  four  Gospels 
of  Matthew,  Mark,  Luke,  and  John,  and  the  Acts  of 
the  Apostles.  And  he  so  quotes  them  as  to  intimate 
that  these  were  the  only  historical  books  received  by 
Christians  as  of  authority;  and  the  only  authentic  me- 
moirs of  Jesus  Christ  and  his  apostles,  and  the  doc- 
trines preached  by  them.  He  allows  the  early  date  of 
the  Gospels,  and  even  argues  for  them.  He.  quotes, 
or  plainly  refers  to,  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  as  al- 
ready said ;  and  to  St.  Paul's  Epistles  to  the  Komans, 
to  the  Corinthians,  and  to  the  Galatians.  He  does  not 
deny  the  miracles  of  Jesus  Christ,  but  allows  him  to 
have  healed  the  blind,  and  the  lame,  and  the  demon- 
iacs, and  to  have  rebuked  the  winds,  and  to  have 
walked  upon  the  waves  of  the  sea.  He  endeavors, 
indeed;  to  diminish   those  works,  but  in  vain.     He 


48  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

endeavors  also  to  lessen  the  number  of  the  early  be- 
lievers in  Jesus,  but  acknowledges  that  there  were 
multitudes  of  such  men  in  Greece  and  Italy  before  St. 
John  wrote  his  Gospel.  And  he  often  speaks  with 
great  indignation  of  Peter  and  Paul,  those  two  great 
apostles  of  Jesus,  and  successful  preachers  of  his  gos- 
pel; so  that,  upon  the  whole,  he  has  undesignedly 
borne  witness  to  the  truth  of  many  things  recorded  in 
the  books  of  the  New  Testament.  He  aimed  to  over- 
throw the  Christian  religion,  but  has  confirmed  it. 

These  testimonies  '■^  prove  that  neither  Celsus  in  the 
second,  Porphyry  in  the  third,  nor  Julian  in  the  fourth 
century,  suspected  the  authenticity  of  these  books,  or 
even  insinuated  that  Christians  were  mistaken  in  the 
authors  to  whom  they  ascribed  them.  Not  one  of 
them  expressed  an  opinion  upon  this  subject  different 
from  that  which  is  holden  by  Christians.  And  when 
we  consider  how  much  it  would  have  availed  them  to 
cast  a  doubt  upon  this  point,  if  they  could,  and  how 
ready  they  showed  themselves  to  take  every  advantage 
in  their  power,  and  that  they  were  men  of  learning  and 
inquiry,  their  concession,  or  rather  their  suffrage  upon 
the  subject,  is  extremely  valuable.'' 

That  the  facts  and  statements  recorded  in  the  evan- 
gelic history  were  not  forgeries  of  a  subsequent  period 
is  made  also  still  more  indubitable  from  the  fact  that 
the  four  Gospels  and  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  are 
quoted  or  alluded  to  by  a  series  of  Christians,  begin- 
ning with  those  who  were  contemporary  with  the  apos- 
tles, or  who  immediately  followed,  and  proceeding  in 
close  and  regular  succession  from  their  time  to  the 
present.  ^'  The  medium  of  proof  stated  in  this  propo- 
sition," observes  Dr.  Paley,  "is  of  all  others  the  most 
unquestionable,  and  is  not  diminished  by  the  lapse  of 
ages.  Bishop  Burnet,  in  the  History  of  his  Own 
Times,  inserts  various  extracts  from  Lord  Clarendon's 
History.     One   such   insertion  is  a  proof  that  Lord 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  49 

Clarendon's  History  was  extant  when  Bishop  Burnet 
wrote,  that  it  had  been  read  and  received  by  him  as  a 
work  of  Lord  Clarendon's,  and  regarded  by  him  as  an 
authentic  account  of  the  transactions  which  it  relates ; 
and  it  will  be  a  proof  of  these  points  a  thousand  years 
hence.  The  application  of  this  argument  to  the  gos- 
pel history  is  obvious.  If  the  different  books  which 
are  received  by  Christians  as  containing  this  history 
are  quoted  by  a  series  of  writers  as  genuine  in  respect 
of  their  authors,  and  as  authentic  in  respect  of  their 
narrative,  up  to  the  age  in  which  the  writers  of  them 
lived,  then  it  is  clear  that  these  books  must  have  had 
an  existence  previous  to  the  earliest  of  those  writings 
in  which  they  are  quoted,  and  that  they  were  then  ad- 
mitted as  authentic.^' 

Y.  These  testimonies  are  very  satisfactory ;  but  how 
shall  I  know  that  the  books  now  included  in  the  Bible 
are  all  sacred,  and  that  those  mentioned  in  the  above 
testimonies  have  not  been  altered  and  corrupted  ? 

T.  With  respect  to  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, the  list  of  Josephus,  the  Septuagint  translation, 
and  the  Samaritan  Pentateuch,  are  sufficient  proofs 
that  the  books  which  are  received  by  us  as  sacred  are 
the  same  as  those  received  by  the  Jews  and  Samaritans 
long  before  the  Christian  era.  For  the  New  Testa- 
ment, beside  the  quotations  from  almost  all  the  books 
now  included  in  that  volume,  and  references  to  them 
by  name,  in  the  earliest  Christian  writers,  catalogues 
of  authentic  Scriptures  were  published  at  very  early 
periods,  which,  says  Dr.  Paley,  ''  though  numerous, 
and  made  in  countries  at  a  wide  distance  from  one 
another,  differ  very  little,  differ  in  nothing  material, 
and  all  contain  the  four  Gospels." 

Y.  But  what  say  you  as  to  their  uncorrupted  pre- 
servation ? 

T.  As  to  the  books  of  the  Old  Testament,  the  regard 
which  was  paid  to  them  by  the  Jews,  especially  to  the 


50  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

law,  would  render  any  forgery  or  material  change  in 
their  contents  impossible.  Further,  at  certain  stated 
seasons,  the  law  was  publicly  read  before  all  the  peo- 
ple of  Israel ;  and  it  was  appointed  to  be  kept  in  the 
ark  for  a  constant  memorial  against  those  who  trans- 
gressed it.  Further,  after  the  people  were  divided 
into  two  kingdoms,  both  the  people  of  Israel  and  those 
of  Judah  still  retained  the  same  book  of  the  law ;  and 
the  rivalry  or  enmity  that  subsisted  between  the  two 
kingdoms  prevented  cither  of  them  from  altering  or 
adding  to  the  law.  After  the  Israelites  were  carried 
captive  into  Assyria,  other  nations  were  placed  in  the 
cities  of  Samaria  in  their  stead ;  and  the  Samaritans 
received  the  Pentateuch  as  well  as  the  Jews,  but  with 
this  difference  :  that  the  Samaritan  Pentateuch  was  in 
the  old  Hebrew  or  Phenician  characters,  in  which  it 
remains  to  this  day ;  whereas  the  Jewish  copy  was 
changed  into  Chaldee  characters,  (in  which  it  also  re- 
mains to  this  day,)  which  were  fairer  and  clearer  than 
the  Hebrew,  the  Jews  having  learned  the  Chaldee 
language  during  their  seventy  years'  abode  at  Babylon. 
The  jealousy  and  hatred  which  subsisted  between  the 
Jews  and  Samaritans  made  it  impracticable  for  either 
nation  to  corrupt  or  alter  the  text  in  any  thing  of  con- 
sequence without  certain  discovery ;  and  the  general 
agreement  between  the  Hebrew  and  Samaritan  copies 
of  the  Pentateuch  which  are  now  extant  is  such  as 
plainly  demonstrates  that  the  copies  from  which  each 
was  taken  were  originally  the  same.  Nor  can  any 
better  evidence  be  desired  that  the  Jewish  Bibles  have 
not  been  corrupted  or  interpolated  than  this  very  book 
of  the  Samaritans;  which,  after  more  than  two  thou- 
sand years  of  discord  between  the  two  nations,  varies 
as  little  from  the  other  as  any  classic  work  in  a  less 
tract  of  time  has  disagreed  from  itself  by  the  unavoid- 
able slips  and  mistakes  of  so  many  transcribers. 

After  the  return  of  the  Jews  from  the  Babylonish 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  '  51 

captivity,  the  book  of  the  law  and  the  prophets  were 
publicly  read  in  their  synagogues  every  Sabbath  day ; 
which  was  an  excellent  method  of  securing  their 
purity,  as  well  as  of  enforcing  the  observation  of  the 
law. 

After  the  birth  of  Christ  the  Old  Testament  was 
held  in  high  esteem,  both  by  Jews  and  Christians. 
The  Jews  also  frequently  suffered  martyrdom  for  their 
Scriptures,  which  they  would  not  have  done  had  they 
suspected  them  to  have  been  corrupted  or  altered. 
Besides,  the  Jews  and  Christians  were  a  mutual  guard 
upon  each  other,  which  must  have  rendered  any  ma- 
terial corruption  impossible  if  it  had  been  attempted ; 
for  if  such  an  attempt  had  been  made  by  the  Jews, 
they  would  have  been  detected  by  the  Christians. 

Lastly,  the  agreement  of  all  the  manuscripts  of  the 
Old  Testament  (amounting  to  nearly  eleven  hundred 
and  fifty)  which  are  known  to  be  extant,  is  a  clear 
proof  of  its  uncorrupted  preservation.  These  manu- 
scripts, indeed,  are  not  all  entire ;  some  contain  one 
part,  and  some  another.  But  it  is  absolutely  impossi- 
ble that  every  manuscript,  whether  in  the  original  He- 
brew or  in  any  ancient  version  or  paraphrase,  should 
or  could  be  designedly  altered  or  falsified  in  the  same 
passages  without  detection  either  by  Jews  or  Chris- 
tians. Although  the  various  readings  which  have  been 
discovered  by  learned  men,  who  have  applied  them- 
selves to  the  collation  of  CA^ery  known  manuscript  of 
the  Hebrew  Scriptures,  amount  to  many  thousands, 
yet  these  differences  are  of  so  little  real  moment,  that 
their  laborious  collations  afford  us  scarcely  any  oppor- 
tunities of  correcting  the  sacred  text  in  important  pas- 
sages. 

Equally  satisfactory  is  the  evidence  for  the  integrity 
of  the  New  Testament,  and  its  uncorruptuess  in  any 
thing  material.  So  early  as  the  first  two  centuries 
of  the  Christian  era,  we  find  the  very  same  facts  and 


52  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

tlic  very  Fame  doctrines  universally  received  by  Chris- 
tians which  we  of  the  present  day  believe  on  the  credit 
of  the  New  Testament. 

A  universal  corruption  of  those  writings  was  impos- 
sible, nor  can  the  least  vestige  of  such  a  corruption  be 
found  in  history.  They  could  not  be  corrupted  during 
the  life  of  their  authors ;  and  before  their  death,  copies 
were  dispersed  among  the  different  communities  of 
Christians  who  were  scattered  throughout  the  then 
known  world. 

Further,  as  these  books  could  not  be  corrupted 
during  the  life  of  their  respective  authors,  and  while 
a  great  number  of  witnesses  were  alive  to  attest  the 
facts  which  they  record,  so  neither  could  any  material 
alteration  take  place  after  their  decease  without  being 
detected,  while  the  original  manuscripts  were  preserved 
in  the  churches.  The  Christians,  who  were  instructed 
by  the  apostles  or  by  their  immediate  successors,  tra- 
velled into  all  parts  of  the  world,  carrying  with  them 
copies  of  their  writings,  from  which  other  copies  were 
multiplied  and  preserved.  Now,  as  we  have  already 
seen,  we  have  an  unbroken  series  of  testimonies  for 
the  genuineness  and  authenticity  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment, which  can  be  traced  backward  from  the  fourth 
century  of  the  Christian  era  to  the  very  time  of  the 
apostles ;  and  these  very  testimonies  are  equally  appli- 
cable to  prove  its  uncorrupted  preservation.  These 
sacred  records,  being  universally  regarded  as  the  su- 
preme standard  of  truth,  were  received  by  every  class 
of  Christians  with  peculiar  respect,  as  being  Divine 
compositions,  and  possessing  an  authority  belonging  to 
no  other  books.  Whatever  controversies,  therefore, 
arose  among  different  sects,  (and  the  Church  was  very 
early  rent  with  fierce  contentions  on  doctrinal  points,) 
the  Scriptures  of  the  New  Testament  were  received 
and  appealed  to  by  every  one  of  them,  as  being  con- 
clusive in  all  matters  of  controversy  j  consequently,  it 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  53 

was  morally  impossible  tliat  any  man,  or  body  of  men, 
should  coniipt  or  falsify  them  in  any  fundamental  arti- 
cle, should  Ibist  into  them  a  single  expression  to  favor 
their  peculiar  tenets,  or  erase  a  single  sentence,  with- 
out being  detected  by  thousands. 

If  any  material  alteration  had  been  attempted  by  the 
orthodox,  it  would  have  been  detected  by  the  heretics; 
and,  on  the  other  hand,  if  a  heretic  had  inserted,  al- 
tered, or  falsified  any  thing,  he  would  have  been  ex- 
posed by  the  orthodox,  or  by  other  heretics.  It  is  well 
known  that  a  division  commenced  in  the  fourth  cen- 
tury between  the  eastern  and  western  Churches,  which 
about  the  middle  of  the  ninth  century  became  irrecon- 
cilable, and  subsists  to  the  present  day.  Now  it  would 
have  been  impossible  to  alter  all  the  copies  in  the  east- 
ern empire ;  and  if  it  had  been  possible  in  the  east,  the 
copies  in  the  west  would  have  detected  the  alteration. 
But  in  fact,  both  the  eastern  and  western  copies  agree, 
which  could  not  be  expected  if  either  of  them  was  al- 
tered or  falsified.  The  uncorrupted  preservation  of  the 
New  Testament  is  further  evident  from  the  agreement 
of  all  the  manuscripts.  The  manuscripts  of  the  New 
Testament  which  are  extant  are  far  more  numerous 
than  those  of  any  single  classic  author  whomsoever ; 
upward  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  were  collated  by 
Griesbach,  for  his  celebrated  critical  edition.  These 
manuscripts,  it  is  true,  are  not  all  entire ;  most  of  them 
contain  only  the  Gospels ;  others  the  Gospels,  Acts  of 
the  Apostles,  and  the  Epistles ;  and  some  contain  the 
Apocalypse,  or  Revelation  of  John.  But  they  were  all 
written  in  very  difierent  and  distant  parts  of  the  world; 
several  of  them  are  twelve  or  fourteen  hundred  years 
old,  and  give  us  the  books  of  the  New  Testament,  in  all 
essential  points,  perfectly  accordant  with  each  other. 
The  various  readings  in  no  degree  whatever  affect  the 
general  credit  and  integrity  of  the  text. 

Y.  I  am  satisfied  as  to  the  uncorrupted  preservati  u 


54  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III.' 

of  the  Bible ;  but  in  estimating  the  credibility  of  a  his- 
tory, is  it  not  also  proper  to  inquire  into  the  character 
of  the  writers  ? 

T.  It  is ;  and  the  inquiry  will  serve  to  establish  you 
greatly  in  the  truth  of  their  narrations.  They  were 
manifestly  good  men — this  was  acknowledged  by  their 
enemies — and  they  could  not  therefore  knowingly  de- 
ceive others.  Nor  could  they  be  deceived  themselves. 
They  could  not  mistake  the  facts  in  the  case  of  the 
feeding  of  the  five  thousand,  and  the  sudden  healing 
of  lepers,  and  lame  and  blind  persons ;  they  could  not 
but  know  whether  he  with  whom  they  conversed  for  forty 
days  was  the  same  Jesus  as  he  with  whom  they  had 
had  daily  and  familiar  intercourse  long  before  his  cru- 
cifixion ;  they  could  not  be.  mistaken  as  to  his  ascension 
into  heaven,  nor  as  to  the  fact  whether  they  themselves 
were  suddenly  endowed  with  the  power  of  speaking  in 
languages  which  they  had  never  studied;  nor  as  to 
their  being  able  to  work  miracles,  and  to  impart  the 
same  power  to  others. 

Their  worldly  interests,  too,  lay  in  concealing  the 
truth.  By  only  not  bearing  testimony  they  might  have 
avoided  all  their  sufferings,  and  have  lived  quietly. 
Would  men  in  such  circumstances  pretend  to  have  seen 
what  they  never  saw — assert  facts  of  which  they  had 
no  knowledge — go  about  lying  to  teach  virtue — and 
though  not  only  convinced  of  Christ's  being  an  im- 
postor, but  having  seen  the  failure  of  his  imposture 
in  his  crucifixion,  yet  persist  in  carrying  it  on,  and  so 
persist  as  to  bring  upon  themselves,  for  nothing,  and 
with  a  full  knowledge  of  the  consequences,  enmity  and 
hatred,  danger  and  death  ? 

Y.  This  was  impossible ;  but  is  it  not  also  a  great 
confirmation  of  the  truth  of  the  evangelical  history 
that  it  is  so  circumstantial  ? 

T.  Certainly  it  is ;  for  we  rarely  find  that  forged  or 
false  accounts  of  things  abound  in  particularities;  and 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  55 

where  many  particulars  are  related  of  time,  place,  per 
sons,  etc.,  there  is  always  a  strong  presumption  of  truth, 
and  vice  versd.  Here  the  evidence  is  more  than 
presumptive.  The  history  of  the  evangelists  and  of 
the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  is  so  full  of  references  to  per- 
sons then  living,  and  often  to  persons  of  consequence, 
and  to  places  in  -which  miracles  and  other  transactions 
took  place  publicly  and  not  in  secret;  and  the  applica- 
tion of  all  these  facts  by  the  first  propagators  of  the 
Christian  religion  to  give  credit  to  its  Divine  authority 
was  so  frequent  and  explicit,  and  often  so  reproving  to 
their  opposers,  that,  if  they  had  not  been  true,  they 
must  have  been  contradicted,  and,  if  contradicted  on 
good  evidence,  the  authors  must  have  been  overwhelmed 
with  confusion.  This  argument  is  rendered  stronger 
when  it  is  considered  that  "these  things  were  not  done 
in  a  corner,"  nor  was  the  age  dark  and  illiterate,  and 
prone  to  admit  fables.  The  Augustan  age  was  the 
most  learned  the  world  ever  saw.  The  love  of  arts, 
sciences,  and  literature,  was  the  universal  passion  in 
almost  every  part  of  the  Roman  empire  where  Chris- 
tianity was  first  taught  in  its  doctrines  and  proclaimed 
in  its  fiicts ;  and  in  this  inquisitive  and  discerning  era 
it  rose,  flourished,  and  established  itself,  with  much 
resistance  to  its  doctrines,  but  without  being  once  ques- 
tioned as  to  the  truth  of  its  historical  facts. 

Y.  Are  we  not  then  at  the  end  of  the  argument?  for 
as  the  genuineness  and  authenticity  of  the  books  of 
Scripture  have  been  satisfactorily  established,  then 
their  relations  of  miracles,  and  their  record  of  prophe- 
cies, must  of  course  be  true  ;  and  if  the  miracles  were 
actually  wrought,  and  the  prophecies  were  really  ful- 
filled, which  no  one  can  reasonably  doubt,  then  it  must 
certainly  follow  that  the  Bible  contains  a  clearly  au- 
thenticated revelation  of  the  will  of  Grod. 

T.  Doubtless  a  ground  has  already  been  laid  suffi- 
ciently firm  for  your  entire  faith  in  the  Divine  authority 


56  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

of  the  Scriptures  j  but  other  evidence,  confirmatory  of 
your  belief,  yet  remains  to  be  stated — so  abuntiant  is 
the  proof. 


CHAPTER  V.  .      j 


INTERNAL   EVIDENCE   OF   THE   TRUTH   OF   SCRIPTURE. 

T.  What  is  the  internal  evidence  of  the  truth  of 
Scripture  ? 

Y.  The  excellent  nature  and  tendency  of  its  doc- 
trines— a  subject  on  which  I  desire  to  be  furnished 
with  some  illustrations. 

T.  Consider,  first,  the  explicitness,  sublimity,  and 
evident  truth  of  the  representations  which  the  Scrip- 
tures make  of  the  nature  and  attributes  of  God,  re- 
specting which  the  wisest  heathens  fell  into  errors  so 
gross  and  fatal !  He  is  there  exhibited  as  the  great 
and  the  sole  first  cause  of  all  things,  eternal,  self- 
existent,  present  in  all  places,  knowing  all  things ;  in- 
finite in  power  and  wisdom;  and  perfect  in  goodness, 
justice,  holiness,  and  truth.  These  discoveries  of  reve- 
lation have  satisfied  the  human  mind  on  this  great  and 
primary  doctrine ;  and  have  given  it  a  resting-place 
which  it  never  before  found. 

Y.  Views  so  just  and  clear  as  to  the  Divine  nature, 
I  acknowledge,  were  never  acquired  by  heathens. 

T.  Consider  also  the  representations  which  the 
Scriptures  make  of  the  moral  condition  of  man. 

Y.  But  how  does  this  prove  the  excellence  of  the 
Scriptures  ? 

T.  By  proving  their  truth;  for  all  the  representa- 
tions which  they  make  of  our  moral  condition  are  sub- 
stantiated .  by  universal  observation  and  experience; 
and  to  know  our  fallen  and  corrupt  state  is  the  first 
step  to  the  remedy. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  57 

Y.  How  does  it  appear  tliat  the  account  the  Scrip- 
tures give  us  of  man's  moral  state,  which  is  indeed 
sufficiently  humbling,  is  confirmed  by  observation  and 
experience  ? 

T.  The  Old  and  New  Testaments  agree  in  represent- 
ing the  human  race  as  actually  vicious,  and  capable, 
when  without  moral  check  and  control,  of  the  greatest 
enormities  :  so  that  not  only  individual  happiness,  but 
social  also,  is  constantly  obstructed  or  endangered. 
To  this  the  history  of  all  ages  bears  witness,  and  pre- 
sent experience  gives  its  testimony. 

Eut  they  not  only  assume  men  to  be  actually  vicious, 
but  vicious  in  consequence  of  a  moral  taint  in  their 
nature — originally  and  i^ermanently  so,  but  for  those 
provisions  of  grace  and  means  of  sanctity  of  which 
they  speak.  What  is  thus  represented  as  doctrine  ap- 
peals to  our  reason  through  the  evidence  of  unques- 
tionable fact.  The  strong  tendency  of  man  to  crime 
cannot  be  denied.  Civil  penal  laws  are  enacted  for 
no  other  purpose  than  to  repress  it;  they  are  multi- 
plied in  the  most  civilized  states  to  shut  out  the  evil 
in  all  those  new  directions  toward  which  the  multiplied 
relations  of  man,  and  his  increased  power,  arising  from 
his  increased  intelligence,  have  given  it  its  impulse. 
Every  legal  deed,  with  its  seals  and  witnesses,  bears 
testimony  to  that  opinion  as  to  human  nature  which 
the  experience  of  man  has  impressed  on  man  ;  and  his- 
tory itself  is  a  record  chiefly  of  human  guilt,  because 
examples  of  crime  have  everywhere  and  at  all  times 
been  much  more  frequent  than  examples  of  virtue. 
This  tendency  to  evil,  the  Scriptures  tell  us,  arises 
from  "the  heart,''  the  nature  and  disposition  of  man; 
and  it  is  not  otherwise  to  be  accounted  for.  Some 
indeed  have  represented  the  corruption  of  the  race  as 
the  result  of  association  and  example ;  but  if  men  were 
naturally  inclined  to  good,  and  averse  to  evil,  how 
is  it  that  not  a  few  individuals  only,  but  the  whole 


58  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

race,  liave  become  evil  by  mutual  association  ?  This 
would  be  to  make  tlie  weaker  cause  the  more  efficient, 
which  is  manifestly  absurd. 

Y.  Is  it  not  a  peculiar  excellence  in  the  Christian 
religion  that  it  points  out  clearly  the  means  of  the  par- 
don of  sin,  and  of  our  recovery  from  our  fallen  and 
corrupt  state  ? 

T.  It  is ',  and  this  leads  me  to  notice  the  next  lead- 
ing doctrine  of  the  Scriptures,  which  is  the  restoration 
of  man  to  the  Divine  favor  through  the  merits  of  the 
vicarious  and  sacrificial  death  of  Christ,  the  incarnate 
Son  of  God ;  and  that  you  may  rightly  understand  this 
most  important  doctrine,  you  must  attend  to  the  fol- 
lowing particulars  : 

The  Christian  doctrine  of  atonement  is  grounded 
upon  the  liability  of  man  to  punishment  in  another 
life,  for  sins  committed  against  the  law  of  God  in  this. 
Men  are  capable  of  committing  sin,  and  sin  is  pro- 
ductive of  misery  and  disorder.  These  positions  can- 
not be  denied.  That  to  violate  the  laws  of  God  and  to 
despise  his  authority  are  not  light  crimes,  is  clear  from 
considering  them  in  their  general  effect  upon  society, 
and  upon  the  world.  Nor  is  there  any  foundation  to 
suppose  that  the  punishment  assigned  to  sin  by  the 
judicial  appointment  of  the  Supreme  Governor  is  con- 
fined to  the  present  life.  The  obvious  reason  of  the 
case  is  in  favor  of  the  doctrine  of  future  punishment; 
for  not  only  is  there  an  unequal  administration  of  pun- 
ishments in  the  present  life,  so  that  many  eminent 
offenders  pass  through  the  present  state  without  any 
visible  manifestation  of  the  Divine  displeasure  against 
their  conduct,  but  there  are  strong  and  convincing 
proofs  that  we  are  placed  in  a  state  of  trial  which  con- 
tinues throughout  life,  and  the  result  of  which  can 
only  be  known,  and  consequently  we  ourselves  can 
only  become  subjects  of  reward  or  punishment,  after 
our  existence  in  this  world  has  terminated. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM:.  59 

It  is  also  the  doctrine  of  Scripture  that  this  future 
punishment  of  the  incorrigible  shall  be  final  and  un- 
limited. That  atonement  for  the  sins  of  men,  which 
was  made  by  the  death  of  Christ,  is  represented  in  the 
Christian  system  as  the  moans  by  which  mankind  may 
be  delivered  from  this  awful  catastrophe.  This  end  it 
professes  to  accomplish  by  means  which,  with  respect 
to  the  Supreme  Governor  himself,  preserve  his  charac- 
ter from  being  mistaken,  and  maintain  the  authority  of 
his  government ;  and  with  respect  to  man,  give  him 
the  strongest  possible  reason  for  hope,  and  render  more 
favorable  the  circumstances  of  his  earthly  probation. 

Y.  This  is  so  deeply  important  that  I  am  anxious  to 
hear  the  matter  fully  explained. 

T.  Attend,  then. 

How  sin  may  be  forgiven  without  leading  to  such 
conceptions  of  the  Divine  character  as  would  encourage 
disobedience,  and  thereby  weaken  the  influence  of  the 
Divine  government,  must  be  considered  as  a  problem 
of  very  difficult  solution.  A  government  which  ad- 
mitted no  forgiveness  would  sink  the  guilty  to  despair; 
a  government  which  never  punishes  offence  is  a  con- 
tradiction— it  cannot  exist.  Not  to  punish  is  to  dis- 
solve authority;  to  punish  without  mercy  is  to  destroy; 
and,  where  all  are  guilty,  the  destruction  would  be 
universal.  That  we  cannot  sin  with  impunity  is  a 
matter  determined.  The  Ruler  of  the  world  is  not 
careless  of  the  conduct  of  his  creatures  ;  for  that  penal 
consequences  are  attached  to  offence  is  not  a  subject 
of  argument,  but  is  made  evident  from  daily  observa- 
tion of  the  events  and  circumstances  of  the  present 
life.  It  is  a  principle  therefore  already  established, 
that  the  authority  of  God  must  be  preserved ;  and  it 
ought  to  be  remarked  that  in  that  kind  of  administra- 
tion  which  restrains  evil  by  penalty,  and  encourages 
obedience  by  favor  and  hope,  we  and  all  other  moral 
creatures  are  the  interested  parties,  and  not  the  Divine 


60  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

Grovernor  himself,  whom,  because  of  his  independent 
and  perfect  niiture,  our  transgressions  cannot  injure. 
The  reasons,  therefore,  which  compel  him  to  maintain 
his  authority  do  not  terminate  in  himself.  If  he  be- 
comes a  party  airainst  offenders,  it  is  for  our  sake,  and 
for  the  sake  of  the  moral  order  of  the  universe,  to 
which  sin,  if  encouraged  by  a  negligent  administration, 
and  by  entire  or  frequent  impunity,  would  be  the 
source  of  endless  disorder  and  misery;  and  if  the 
granting  of  pardon  to  offence  be  strongly  and  even  se- 
vcrel}'  guarded,  we  are  to  refer  it  to  the  moral  neces- 
sity of  the  case  as  ari.sing  out  of  the  general  welfare  of 
accountable  creatures,  liable  to  the  deep  evil  of  sin, 
and  not  to  any  reluctance  on  the  part  of  our  Maker  to 
forgive,  much  less  to  any  thing  vindictive  in  his  na- 
ture— charges  which  have  been  most  inconsiderately 
and  unfairly  brought  against  the  Christian  doctrine  of 
Christ's  vicarious  sufferings.  If  it  then  be  true  that 
the  relief  of  offending  man  from  future  punishment, 
and  his  restoration  to  the  Divine  favor,  ought,  for  the 
interests  of  mankind  themselves,  and  for  the  instruc- 
tion and  caution  of  other  beings,  to  be  so  bestowed  that 
no  license  shall  be  given  to  offence ;  that  Crod  himself, 
while  he  manifests  his  compassion,  should  not  appear 
less  just,  less  holy,  than  the  maintenance  of  an  effi- 
cient and  even  awful  authority  requires;  that  his  com- 
mands shall  be  felt  to  be  as  compelling,  and  that  dis- 
obedience shall  as  truly,  though  not  so  unconditionally, 
subject  us  to  the  deserved  penalty,  as  though  no  hope 
of  forgiveness  had  been  exhibited — I  ask,  on  what 
scheme,  save  that  which  is  developed  in  the  New  Tes- 
tament, these  necessary  conditions  are  provided  for  ? 
Necessary  they  are,  unless  we  contend  for  a  license, 
and  an  impunity  which  shall  annul  the  efficient  gov- 
ernment of  the  universe,  a  point  which  no  reasonable 
man  will  contend  for ;  and  if  not,  then  he  must  allow 
that  this  is  stron«;  internal  evidence  of  the  truth  of  the  doc- 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  61 

trine  of  Scripture,  which  makes  the  oifer  of  pardon  conse- 
quent only  upon  the  securities  we  have  before  mentioned. 
If  it  be  said  that  sin  may  be  pardoned  in  the  exercise 
of  the  Divine  prerogative^  the  reply  is  that  if  this  pre- 
rogative were  exercised  toward  a  part  of  mankind  only, 
the  passing  by  of  the  others  would  be  with  difficulty 
reconciled  to  the  Divine  character;  and  if  the  benefit 
were  extended  to  all,  government  would  be  at  an  end. 
Were  this  principle  to  regulate  human  governments, 
every  criminal  would  escape,  and  judicial  forms  would 
become  a  subject  I'or  ridicule.  Nor  is  it  the  principle 
which  the  Divine  Being  in  his  conduct  to  men  in  the 
present  state  acts  upon,  though  in  this  world  punish- 
ments are  not  final  and  absolute.  Kepentance  does 
not  restore  health  injured  by  intemperance,  property 
wasted  by  profusion,  or  character  once  stained  by 
dishonorable  practices.  If  repentance  alone  could 
secure  pardon,  then  all  must  be  pardoned,  and  govern- 
ment dissolved,  as  in  the  case  of  forgiveness  by  the 
exercise  of  mere  prerogative ;  if  a  selection  be  made, 
then  different  and  discordant  principles  of  government 
are  introduced  into  the  Divine  administration,  which 
cannot  be  maintained. 

To  avoid  the  force  of  these  obvious  difficulties,  some 
have  added  reformation  to  repentance,  and  would  re- 
strain forgiveness  to  those  only  who  to  their  penitence 
add  a  course  of  future  obedience  to  the  Divine  law. 
But  a  change  of  conduct  does  not,  any  more  than  re- 
pentance, repair  the  mischiefs  of  former  conduct.  Even 
in  this  world  we  see  that  the  sobriety  of  the  reformed 
man  does  not  always  restore  health ;  and  the  industry 
and  economy  of  the  formerly  negligent  and  wasteful 
repair  not  the  losses  of  extravagance.  Nor  is  it  neces- 
sary to  dwell  upon  the  contradiction  which  this  theory 
involves  to  all  the  principles  of  government  established 
among  men,  which  in  flagrant  cases  never  suspend 
punishment  in  anticipation  of  a  change  of  conduct; 


62  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

but  in  tlie  infliction  of  penalty  look  steadily  to  the 
crime  actually  committed,  and  to  the  necessity  of  vin- 
dicating the  violated  majesty  of  the  laws. 

Y.  These  are  great  difliculties. 

T.  Yes  3  the  question,  how  may  mercy  be  extended 
to  offending  creatures,  the  subjects  of  the  Divine  gov- 
ernment, without  encouraging  vice,  by  lowering  the 
righteous  and  holy  character  of  God,  and  the  authority 
of  his  government,  in  the  maintenance  of  which  the 
whole  universe  of  beings  are  interested,  is  at  once  one 
of  the  most  important  and  one  of  the  most  difficult 
which  can  employ  the  human  mind.  None  of  the 
theories  which  have  been  opposed  to  Christianity  aiford 
a  satisfactory  solution  of  the  problem.  They  assume 
principles  either  destructive  to  moral  government,  or 
which  cannot  in  the  circumstances  of  man  be  acted 
upon.  The  only  answer  is  found  in  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures. They  alone  show,  and  indeed  they  alone  profess 
to  show,  how  God  may  be  just,  and  yet  the  justifier  of 
the  ungodly.  Other  schemes  show  how  he  may  be 
merciful ;  but  the  difficulty  does  not  lie  there.  This 
meets  it  by  declaring  the  "  righteousness  of  God,''  at 
the  same  time  that  it  proclaims  his  mercy.  The  vol- 
untary sufferings  of  an  incarnate  Divine  person  ^'  for 
us,"  in  our  room  and  stead,  magnify  the  justice  of 
God  ;  display  his  hatred  to  sin;  proclaim  the  '^exceed- 
ing sinfulness"  of  transgression,  by  the  deep  and  pain- 
ful sufferings  of  the  substitute ;  warn  the  persevering 
offender  of  the  terribleness  as  well  as  the  certainty  of 
his  punishment;  and  open  the  gates  of  salvation  to 
every  believing  penitent.  It  is  a  part  of  the  same  Di- 
vine plan  to  promise  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
to  awaken  penitence  and  to  lead  the  wandering  soul 
back  to  Himself;  to  renew  the  fallen  nature  of  man  in 
righteousness,  at  the  moment  he  is  justified  through 
faith;  and  to  place  him  in  circumstances  in  which  he 
may  henceforth  "walk  not  after   the  flesh,  but  after 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN  CATECHISM.  63 

the  Spirit."  All  the  ends  of  government  are  here  an- 
swered. No  license  is  given  to  offence  ;  the  moral  law 
is  unrepealed;  a  day  of  judgment  is  still  appointed; 
future  and  eternal  punishments  still  exhibit  their  awful 
sanctions ;  a  new  and  singular  display  of  the  awful 
purity  of  the  Divine  character  is  afforded ;  yet  pardon 
is  offered  to  all  who  seek  it;  and  the  whole  world  may 
be  saved ! 

Y.  These  are  indeed  glorious  discoveries,  and  ought 
to  kindle  supreme  and  everlasting  love  to  God  in  our 
hearts,  and  inspire  our  lips  with  ceaseless  praises. 

T.  And,  had  I  time,  I  might  give  you  other  in- 
stances of  the  excellent  doctrines  which  the  Scriptures 
contain,  as  that  respecting  the  influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  which  give  a  strength  to  men  which  they  have 
not  by  nature ;  the  doctrine  of  a  providence,  Divine, 
universal,  tender,  and  watchful ;  and  especially  the 
views  afforded  us  of  man's  immortality  and  of  a  future 
life.  These,  however,  you  must  consider  at  your  lei- 
sure. 

Y.  But  you  said  something  of  the  moral  tendency 
of  the  Scriptures,  as  a  part  of  the  internal  evidence  of 
their  truth. 

T.  This  tendency  is  obvious.  Nowhere  but  in  the 
Scriptures  have  we  a  perfect  system  of  morals  ;  and  the 
deficiencies  of  pa^an  morality  only  exalt  the  purity, 
the  comprehensiveness,  the  practicability  of  ours.  The 
character  of  the  Being  acknowledged  as  supreme  must 
always  impress  itself  upon  moral  feeling  and  practice  ; 
the  obligation  of  which  rests  upon  his  will.  We  have 
seen  the  views  entertained  by  pagans  on  this  all-import- 
ant point,  and  their  effects.  The  God  of  the  Bible  is 
"holy,''  without  spot;  ''just,"  without  intermission  or 
partiality;  "good" — boundlessly  benevolent  and  bene- 
ficent; and  his  law  is  the  image  of  himself,  "holy, 
just,  and  good."  These  great  moral  qualities  are  not, 
as  with  them,  so  far  as  they  were  apprehended,  merely 


64  WESLETAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

abstract,  and  therefore  comparatively  feeble  in  tlieir 
influence.  In  the  person  of  Christ,  our  God  incarnate, 
they  are  seen  exemplified  in  action,  displaying  them- 
selves amid  human  relations  and  the  actual  circum- 
stances of  human  life.  With  them,  the  authority  of 
moral  rules  was  either  the  opinion  of  the  wise,  or  the 
tradition  of  the  ancient,  confirmed,  it  is  true,  in  some 
degree  b}^  observation  and  experience ;  but  to  us  they 
are  given  as  commands  immediately  from  the  Supreme 
Governor,  and  ratified  as  his  by  the  most  solemn  and 
explicit  attestations.  With  them,  many  great  moral 
principles,  being  indistinctly  apprehended,  were  mat- 
ters of  doubt  and  debate ;  to  us,  the  explicit  manner 
in  which  they  are  given  excludes  both  j  for  it  cannot 
be  questioned  whether  we  are  commanded  to  love  our 
neighbor  as  ourselves ;  to  do  to  others  as  we  would  they 
should  do  to  us,  a  precept  which  comprehends  almost 
all  relative  morality  in  one  plain  principle ;  to  forgive 
our  enemies;  to  love  all  mankind;  to  live  "right- 
eously'^  and  '^  soberly,"  as  well  as  "godly;''  or  that 
magistrates  must  be  a  terror  only  to  evil-doers,  and  a 
praise  to  them  that  do  well ;  that  subjects  are  to  render 
honor  to  whom  honor,  and  tribute  to  whom  tribute,  is 
due;  that  masters  are  to  be  just  and  merciful,  and  ser- 
vants faithful  and  obedient.  By  Christianity,  impu- 
rity of  thought  and  desire  is  restrained  in  an  equal 
degree  as  their  overt  acts  in  the  lips  and  conduct. 
Humility,  meekness,  gentleness,  placability,  disinter- 
estedness, and  charity,  are  all  as  clearly  and  solemnly 
enjoined  as  the  grosser  vices  are  prohibited;  and  on 
the  unruly  tongue  itself  is  impressed  "  the  law  of  kind- 
ness." Nor  are  the  injunctions  feeble ;  they  are  strictly 
law,  and  not  mere  advice  and  recommendations — 
"  Without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord ;"  and 
thus  our  entrance  into  heaven,  and  our  escape  from 
perdition,  are  made  to  depend  upon  this  preparation  of 
mind. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  65 

Y.  But  is  there  not  a  species  of  evidence  in  favor 
of  Christianity  which  is  called  collateral  ? 

T.  There  is;  and  it  arises  from  so  many  sources 
that  it  cannot  be  fully  exhibited  in  this  conversation ; 
but  I  will  give  you  one  or  two  examples  of  it. 

Y.  You  will  oblige  me. 

T.  The  marvellous  propagation  of  Christianity  in  the 
first  three  centuries  is  evidence  of  this  kind,  ai:!  inti- 
mates to  us  that  its  facts  could  not  be  disputed  ;  that 
miracles  were  really  wrought,  to  produce  conviction  in 
the  minds  of  men  so  rapidly  and  effectually ;  and  that 
a  Divine  power  accompanied  the  promulgation  of  its 
doctrines. 

Y.  But  did  not  the  doctrine  of  Mohammed  spread 
rapidly  and  extensively  ? 

T.  Yes;  but  that  was  propagated  by  the  sword,  and 
entitled  all  who  embraced  it  to  honors  and  privileges, 
and,  above  all,  encouraged  men  in  their  vices ;  but  in 
less  than  three  centuries,  Christianity  overturned  pa- 
ganism in  the  Roman  empire,  and  spread  itself  through 
the  civilized  world,  in  opposition  to  human  power ;  and 
when,  through  a  great  part  of  this  period,  its  profes- 
sors were  exposed  to  continual  reproach,  and  often  to 
terrible  persecutions ;  and  although  it  discouraged, 
reproved,  and  forbade  every  kind  of  vice.  The  first 
preachers  of  the  gospel,  though  unsupported  by  human 
power,  and  unpatronized  by  philosophic  wisdom,  and 
even  in  opposition  to  both,  succeeded  in  effecting  a  re- 
volution in  the  opinions  and  manners  of  a  great  portion 
of  the  civilized  world,  to  which  there  is  no  parallel  in 
the  history  of  mankind.  Though  aspersed  by  the 
slander  of  the  malicious,  and  exposed  to  the  sword  of 
the  powerful,  in  a  short  period  of  time  they  induced 
multitudes  of  various  nations,  who  were  equally  distin- 
guished by  the  peculiarity  of  their  manners  and  the 
diversity  of  their  language,  to  forsake  the  religion  of 
their  ancestors.     The  converts  whom  they  made  de- 


66  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

serted  ceremonies  and  institutions  wliich  were  defended 
by  vigorous  authority,  sanctified  by  remote  age,  and 
associated  with  the  most  alluring  gratification  of  the 
passions. 

After  their  death  the  same  doctrines  were  taught, 
and  the  same  effects  followed,  though  successive  and 
grievous  persecutions  were  waged  against  all  who  pro- 
fessed their  faith  in  Christ,  by  successive  emperors 
and  inferior  magistrates;  so  that  about  A.  D.  140, 
Justin  Martyr  writes,  ''There  is  not  a  nation,  Greek 
or  barbarian,  or  of  any  other  name,  even  of  those  who 
wander  in  tribes  and  live  in  tents,  among  whom  prayers 
and  thanksgivings  are  not  offered  to  the  Father  and 
Creator  of  the  universe  in  the  name  of  the  crucified 
Jesus. ^^ 

Y.  The  success  of  Christianity,  and  that  of  the  reli- 
gion of  Mohammed,  I  plainly  perceive  are  not  parallel 
but  contrary  cases. 

T.  The  actual  effect  produced  by  this  new  religion 
upon  society,  and  which  it  is  still  producing,  is  another 
point  in  the  collateral  evidence.  In  every  pagan  coun- 
try where  it  has  prevailed,  it  has  abolished  idolatry, 
with  its  sanguinary  and  polluted  rites.  It  also  effected 
this  mighty  revolution :  that  the  sanctions  of  religion 
should  no  longer  be  in  favor  of  the  worst  passions  and 
practices,  but  be  directed  against  them.  It  has  raised 
the  standard  of  morality,  and  by  that  means,  even 
where  its  full  effects  have  not  been  suffered  to  display 
themselves,  has  insensibly  improved  the  manners  of 
every  Christian  state.  What  heathen  nations  are,  in 
point  of  morals,  is  now  well  known ;  and  the  informa- 
tion on  this  subject,  which  for  several  years  past  has 
been  increasing,  has  put  it  out  of  the  power  of  infidels 
to  urge  the  superior  manners  of  either  China  or  Hin- 
doostan.  It  has  abolished  infanticide  and  human  sac- 
rifices, so  prevalent  among  ancient  and  modern  hea- 
thens ;  put  an  end  to  polygamy  and  divorce ;  and,  by 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  67 

the  institution  of  marriage  in  an  indissoluble  bond,  has 
given  birth  to  a  felicity  and  sanctity  in  the  domes- 
tic circle  which  it  never  before  knew.  It  has  exalted 
the  condition  and  character  of  woman,  and  by  that 
means  has  humanized  man.  It  has  given  a  milder 
character  to  war,  and  taught  modern  nations  to  treat 
their  prisoners  with  humanity,  and  to  restore  them  by 
exchange  to  their  respective  countries.  It  has  laid  the 
basis  of  a  jurisprudence  more  just  and  equal;  given 
civil  rights  to  subjects ;  and  placed  restraints  on  abso- 
lute power.  It  has  crowned  its  achievements  by  its 
charity.  Hospitals,  schools,  and  many  other  institutions 
for  the  aid  of  the  aged  and  the  poor,  are  almost  exclusively 
its  own  creations,  and  they  abound  most  where  its  in- 
fluence is  most  powerful.  The  same  effects  to  this  day 
are  resulting  from  its  influence  in  those  heathen  coun- 
tries into  which  the  gospel  has  been  carried  by  mis- 
sionaries sent  out  from  this  and  other  Christian  states. 
Y.  These  eff'ects  surely  prove  that  so  benevolent, 
holy,  and  beneficial  a  system  of  religion  is  worthy  of  all 
acceptation. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


OBJECTIONS   ANSWERED. 


Y.  I  thank  you  for  this  account  of  the  evidences  of 
the  truth  of  the  Scriptures,  which  has  greatly  con- 
firmed and  established  my  faith ;  but  I  have  occasion- 
ally heard  objections  to  the  Scriptures,  which  I  will 
thank  you  to  enable  me  to  answer,  should  I  again  meet 
with  them  in  reading  or  in  conversation. 

T.  State  those  of  them  you  recollect. 

Y.  Against  the  evidence  from  miracles  I  have  heard 
it  urged  that  the  Egyptian  magicians,  in  several  in- 
stances, wrought  the  same  miracles  as  Moses. 


68  WESLEYAN    CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

T.  The  wonders  wrought  by  the  magicians  were 
probably  juggling  tricks.  When  the  miracles  of  xMoses 
went  beyond  what  could  not  by  any  sleight-of-hand  or 
subtle  contrivances  be  imitated,  as  in  the  plague  of 
lice,^  the  magicians  were  themselves  obliged  to  confess 
the  interposition  of  '^  the  finger  of  God.'' 

Y.  But  several  pretended  heathen  miracles,  as  well 
as  those  said  to  take  place  in  the  Church  of  Eome,  are 
often  mentioned  by  infidels. 

T.  They  are ;  yet  even  they  hesitate  to  found  any 
serious  argument  upon  them.  A  learned  divine  has 
laid  down  some  just  rules  for  trying  miracles^  and  ob- 
serves : 

That  we  may  reasonably  suspect  any  accounts  of 
miracles  to  be  false,  if  they  are  not  published  till  long 
after  the  time  when  they  are  said  to  have  been  per- 
formed ;  or  if  they  were  not  first  published  in  the  place 
where  they  are  said  to  have  been  wrought;  or  if  they 
probably  were  suffered  to  pass  without  examination,  in 
the  time  and  at  the  place  where  they  took  their  rise. 
These  are  general  grounds  of  suspicion,  to  which  may 
be  added  particular  ones,  arising  from  any  circum- 
stances which  plainly  indicate  imposture  and  artifice 
on  the  one  hand,  or  credulity  and  imagination  on  the 
other. 

Before  such  tests  all  pagan,  popish,  and  other  pre- 
tended miracles,  without  exception,  shrink;  and  they 
are  not  for  a  moment  to  be  brought  into  comparison 
with  works  wrought  publicly,  in  the  sight  of  thousands, 
and  those  often  opposers  of  the  system  to  be  established 
by  them ;  works  not  by  any  ingenuity  whatever  to  be 
resolved  into  artifice  on  the  one  part,  or  into  the  effects 
of  imagination  on  the  other;  works  performed  before 
scholars,  statesmen,  rulers,  persecutors ;  of  which  the 
instances  are  numerous,  and  the  places  in  which  they 
occurred  various ;  works  published  at  the  time  and  on 
the  very  spot ;  works  not  in  favor  of  a  ruling  system, 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  60 

but  directed  against  every  other  religious  establish- 
ment under  heaven;  and  for  giving  their  testimony  to 
which  the  original  witnesses  had  reason  to  expect,  and 
did  in  most  instances  incur,  reproach,  stripes,  impri- 
sonment, and  death. 

Y.  This  is  very  convincing  as  to  miracles ;  but  as 
to  the  prophecies  of  Scripture,  I  have  heard  them  com- 
pared to  the  heathen  oracles,  which  pretended  to  fore- 
tell future  things,  and  whose  predictions  are  in  some 
instances  said  to  have  been  remarkably  accomplished. 

T.  No  contrast  can  be  greater. 

The  first  great  distinction  lies  in  this,  that  none  of 
the  predictions  ever  uttered  by  the  Delphic  or  other 
oracles  went  deep  into  futurity.  They  relate  to  events 
on  the  eve  of  taking  place,  and  whose  preparatory  cir- 
cumstances were  known.  The  oracles  did  not  even 
pretend  to  foresee  things  at  the  distance  of  a  few 
years ;  though  even  a  hundred  years  had  been  a  very 
limited  period  in  comparison  of  the  range  of  the  pre- 
science of  inspired  prophets  who  looked  through  the 
course  of  succeeding  ages  to  the  end  of  time. 

A  second  contrast  lies  in  the  ambiguity  of  the  orac- 
ular responses.  The  prophecies  of  Scripture  arc  some- 
times obscure,  though  this  does  not  apply  to  the  most 
eminent  of  those  which  have  been  most  signally  ful- 
filled, as  we  have  already  seen;  but  they  never  equi- 
vocate. For  this  the  Pythian  oracle  was  notorious. 
Historians  relate  that  Croesus,  who  had  expended  large 
sums  upon  the  agents  of  this  delusion,  was  tricked  by 
an  equivocation,  through  which,  interpreting  the  re- 
sponse most  favorably  for  himself,  he  was  induced  to 
make  an  unsuccessful  war  on  Cyrus.  In  his  subsequent 
captivity  he  repeatedly  reproached  the  oracle,  and 
charged  it  with  falsehood.  The  response  delivered  to 
Pyrrhus  was  of  the  same  kind ;  and  was  so  expressed 
as  to  be  true,  whether  Pyrrhus  should  conquer  the 
Romans,  or   the  P^omans  Pyrrhus.     Many  other  in- 


70  WESLEY  AN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  Ill, 

stances  of  the  same  kind  are  given  ;  not  to  mention  the 
trifling  and  even  bantering  and  jocose  oracles  which 
were  sometimes  pronounced. 

The  venality,  wealth,  and  servility  of  the  managers 
of  the  Delphic  oracle  present  another  contrast  to  the 
poverty  and  disinterestedness  of  the  Jewish  prophets, 
whom  no  gifts  could  bribe  and  no  power  awe  in  the 
discharge  of  their  duty.  Demosthenes,  in  one  of  his 
speeches  to  the  Athenians,  publicly  charges  this  oracle 
with  being  <'  gained  over  to  the  interests  of  King  Phil- 
ip ;"  and  the  Greek  historians  give  other  instances  in 
which  it  had  been  corrupted  by  money.  Can  then  the 
prophecies  of  Scripture  be  paralleled  with  these  dark, 
and  venal,  and  delusive  oracles,  without  impiety  ? 
And  could  any  higher  honors  be  wished  for  the  Jew- 
ish prophets  than  the  comparison  into  which  they  are 
thus  brought  with  tlie  corrupt  agents  of  paganism  at 
Delphos  and  other  places  ? 

Y.  Ridicule  has  been  sometimes  cast  upon  the  pro- 
phets by  profane  writers,  for  those  significant  actions 
by  which  they  illustrated  their  predictions ;  as  when 
Jeremiah  hides  his  girdle  in  a  hole  of  the  rock,  and 
Ezekiel  weighs  the  hair  of  his  head  in  balances :  how 
is  this  explained  ? 

T.  This  ridicule  can  only  proceed  from  ignorance. 
In  the  early  ages  of  the  world,  tlie  deficiency  of  lan- 
guage was  often  supplied  by  signs ;  and  when  language 
was  improved,  the  practice  remained  after  the  necessity 
was  over ;  especially  among  the  eastern  people,  whose 
natural  temperament  inclined  them  to  this  mode  of 
conversation.  The  charges,  then,  of  absurdity  and 
fanaticism,  brought  against  the  prophets,  vanish  of 
themselves.  The  absurdity  of  an  action  consists  in  its 
being  extravagant  and  insignificant;  but  use  and  a 
fixed  application  made  the  actions  in  question  both 
sober  and  pertinent.  We  may  add,  that  several  of 
these  actions  were  performed  in  vision ;  and  that,  con- 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  71 

sidering  the  genius  of  the  people  who  were  addressed, 
they  were  calculated  strongly  to  excite  their  attention, 
which  was  the  end  for  which  they  were  adopted. 

Y.  It  is  objected  to  the  Bible  that  it  represents  God 
as  giving  command  to  the  Israelites  to  exterminate  the 
nations  of  Canaan. 

T.  This  objection  cannot  be  argued  upon  the  mere 
ground  that  it  is  contrary  to  the  Divine  justice  or 
mercy  to  cut  off  a  people  indiscriminately,  from  the 
eldest  to  the  youngest,  since  this  is  done  in  earth- 
quakes, pestilences,  etc.  The  character  of  the  God  of 
nature  is  not  therefore  contradicted  by  that  ascribed  to 
the  God  of  the  Bible.  The  whole  objection  resolves 
itself  into  this  question  :  Was  it  consistent  with  the 
character  of  God  to  employ  human  agents  in  this  work 
of  destruction  ?  Who  can  prove  that  it  was  not  ?  No 
one ;  and  yet  here  lies  the  whole  stress  of  the  objection. 
The  Jews  were  not  rendered  more  cruel  by  their  being 
so  commissioned,  for  we  find  them  much  more  merciful 
in  their  practice  than  other  ancient  nations ;  nor  can 
this  instance  be  pleaded  in  favor  of  exterminating  wars, 
since  there  was  in  the  case  a  special  commission  for  a 
special  purpose,  by  which  it  was  limited.  Other  con- 
siderations are  also  to  be  included.  The  sins  of  the 
Canaanites  were  of  so  gross  a  nature,  that  it  was  neces- 
sary to  mark  them  with  signal  punishments  for  the 
admonition  of  surrounding  nations ;  the  employing  of 
the  Israelites  as  instruments,  under  a  special  and  pub- 
licly proclaimed  commission,  connected  the  punishment 
more  visibly  with  the  offence  than  if  it  had  been  in- 
flicted by  the  array  of  warring  elements  ;  while  the 
Israelites  themselves  would  be  more  deeply  impressed 
with  the  guilt  of  idolatry,  and  its  ever-accompanying 
polluted  and  sanguinary  rites.  Finally,  the  Canaanites 
had  been  long  spared,  and  in  the  meantime  both  warned 
by  partial  judgments,  and  reproved  by  the  remaining 


72  WESLEYAN  CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

adherents  of  the  patriarchal  religion  who  resided  among 
them. 

Y.  The  intentional  offering  of  Isaac  by  Abraham  has 
often  been  objected  to. 

T.  The  answer  is,  1.  That  Abraham,  who  was  in  the 
habit  of  sensible  communication  with  God,  could  have 
no  doubt  of  having  received  a  Divine  command ;  and 
the  right  of  Grod  to  take  away  the  life  he  had  given 
cannot  be  questioned.  2.  That  he  proceeded  to  exe- 
cute the  command  of  God  in  faith,  as  the  Apostle  Paul 
has  stated,  that  God  would  raise  his  son  from  the  dead. 
The  whole  transaction  was  extraordinary,  and  cannot 
therefore  be  judged  by  common  rules;  and  it  could 
only  be  fairly  objected  to  if  it  had  been  so  stated  as  to 
encourage  human  sacrifices.  Here,  however,  are  sufl&- 
cient  guards.  An  indubitable  Divine  command  was 
given;  the  sacrifice  w^as  prevented  by  the  same  au- 
thority ;  and  the  history  stands  in  a  book  which  repre- 
sents human  sacrifices  as  an  abomination  to  God.  But 
I  will  save  you  the  trouble  of  enumerating  several 
minor  objections,  by  glancing  at  them  collectively. 

The  objections  which  have  been  raised  against  char- 
acters and  transactions  in  the  books  of  Judges,  Samuel, 
and  Kings,  are  dissipated  by  the  single  consideration, 
that  where  they  are  obviously  immoral  or  unjustifiable, 
they  are  never  approved ;  and  are  merely  stated  as 
facts  in  history.  The  conduct  of  Ehud,  of  Samson, 
and  of  Jephthah,  may  be  given  as  instances. 

The  advice  of  David,  when  on  his  death-bed,  re- 
specting Joab  and  Shimei,  has  been  attributed  to  his 
private  resentment.  This  is  not  the  fact.  He  spoke 
in  his  character  of  king  and  magistrate,  and  gave  his 
advice  on  public  grounds,  as  committing  the  kingdom 
to  his  son. 

The  conduct  of  David  also  towards  the  Ammonites, 
in  putting  them  ''under  saws  and  harrows  of  iron/'  has 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN  CATECHISM.  73 

been  the  subject  of  severe  animadversion.  But  the 
expression  means  no  more  than  that  he  employed  them 
in  laborious  works,  as  sawing,  making  iron  harrows, 
hewing  wood  and  making  bricks,  the  Hebrew  prefix 
signifying  to  as  well  as  under.  "He  put  them  to  saws 
and  harrows  of  iron,  (some  render  it  iron  mines,)  and 
to  axes  of  iron,  and  made  them  to  pass  throui:;h  the 
brick  kihi.'^ 

With  respect  to  the  imprecations  found  in  many 
parts  of  Scripture,  and  which  have  been  represented  as 
expressions  of  revenge  and  maUce,  it  has  been  often 
and  satisfactorily  observed,  that  they  are  theocratical 
denunciations  against  sinners,  or  predictions,  and  not 
anathemas ;  the  imperative  mood  being  put  for  the  fu- 
ture tense,  according  to  the  Hebrew  idiom. 

With  respect  to  all  other  objections,  it  has  been  well 
observed,  "that  a  little  skill  in  the  original  languages 
of  the  Scriptures,  their  idioms  and  properties,  and  in 
the  times,  occasions,  and  scope  of  the  several  books,  as 
well  as  in  the  antiquities  and  customs  of  those  countries 
which  were  the  scenes  of  the  transactions  recorded,  will 
always  clear  the  main  difficulties." 

Y.  These  general  observations  will  be  of  use  to  me 
in  future.  But  what  say  you  to  the  common  objection 
that  the  Scriptures  require  us  to  believe  things  incom- 
prehensible to  human  reason  1 

T.  I  answer,  that  many  doctrines  and  duties  are 
comprehensible  enough ;  no  myster}'  at  all  is  involved 
in  them;  and  as  to  incomprehensible  subjects,  nothing 
is  more  obvious  than  that  a  fact  may  be  the  subject  of 
revelation,  as  that  God  is  eternal  and  omnipresent, 
while  the  mode  may  still  remain  mysterious  and  incom- 
prehensible. The  fact  itself  is  not  hidden,  or  expressed 
in  language  or  in  symbol  so  equivocal  as  to  throw  the 
meaning  into  difficulty — the  only  sense  in  which  the 
objection  could  be  valid.  As,  a  fact,  it  is  clearly  re- 
vealed that  these  are  attributes  of  the  Divine  nature ; 


74  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

but  both,  notwithstanding  that  clear  and  indubitable 
revelation,  arc  still  incomprehensible.  It  is  not  re- 
vealed how  God  is  eternal  and  omnipresent,  nor  is  such 
a  revelation  pretended;  but  it  is  revealed  that  He  is  so 
— not  how  a  trinity  of  persons  exists  in  unity  of  essence; 
but  tliat  such  is  the  mode  of  the  Divine  existence.  If 
however,  men  hesitate  to  admit  incomprehensible  sub- 
jects as  to  matters  of  faith,  they  cannot  be  permitted  to 
fly  for  relief  from  revelation  to  philosophy ;  and  much 
less  to  assert  its  superiority,  as  to  clearness  of  manifes- 
tation, to  the  Holy  Scriptures.  There  too  it  will  be 
seen  that  mystery  and  revelation  go  inseparably  to- 
gether; that  he  who  will  not  admit  the  mystery  can- 
not have  the  benefit  of  the  revelation  ;  and  that  he  who 
takes  the  revelation  of  facts,  embraces  at  the  same  time 
the  mystery  of  their  causes.  The  facts,  for  instance, 
of  the  attraction  of  gravitation,  of  cohesion,  of  elec- 
tricity, of  magnetism,  of  congelation,  of  thawing,  of 
evaporation,  are  all  admitted.  The  experimental  and 
inductive  philosophy  of  modern  times  has  made  many 
revelations  of  the  relations,  and,  in  some  instances,  of 
the  proximate  causes  of  these  phenomena;  but  the 
real  causes  are  all  confessedly  hidden. 

''With  respect  to  mechanics,"  says  a  writer  who  has 
devoted  his  life  to  philosophical  studies,*  ^'  this  science 
is  conversant  about  force,  matter,  time,  motion,  space ; 
each  of  these  has  occasioned  the  most  elaborate  disquisi- 
tions and  the  most  violent  disputes.  Let  it  be  asked. 
What  is  force  ?  If  the  answerer  be  candid,  his  reply  will 
be,  'I  cannot  tell  so  as  to  satisfy  every  inquirer,  or  so 
as  to  enter  into  the  essence  of  the  thing.'  Again, 
What  is  matter  ?  'I  cannot  tell.'  What  is  motion? 
^I  cannot  tell;"'  and  so  of  the  rest.  The  fact  of  the 
communication  of  motion  from  one  body  to  another  is 
as  inexplicable  as  the  communication  of  Divine  influ- 
ences.    How  then  can  the  former  be  admitted  with  any 

*  Dr.  Gregory's  Letters  on  the  Christian  Religion. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  75 

face,  while  tlie  latter  is  denied  solely  on  the  ground  of 
its  incomprehensibility  ? 

Y.  It  has  been  objected  to  the  Mosaic  chronology, 
that  it  fixes  the  era  of  creation  only  about  -iOOO  years 
earlier  than  the  Christian  era;  and  against  this,  evi- 
dence has  been  brought  from  the  chronology  of  certain 
ancient  nations. 

T.  The  objections  drawn  from  this  source  have  of 
late  rapidly  weakened,  and  are  in  fact  given  up  by 
many  whose  deference  to  the  authority  of  Scripture  is 
very  slight,  though  but  a  few  years  ago  nothing  was 
more  confidently  urged  by  skeptical  writers  than  the 
refutation  of  Moses  by  the  Chinese,  Hindoo,  and  Egyp- 
tian chronologies,  founded,  as  it  was  then  stated,  on 
very  ancient  astronomical  observations,  preserved  to  the 
present  day.  It  is,  however,  now  clearly  proved  that 
the  astronomical  tables,  from  which  it  has  been  at- 
tempted to  assign  a  prodigious  antiquity  to  the  Hindoos, 
have  been  calculated  backward  ;*  and  among  the  Chi- 
nese the  earliest  astronomical  observation  that  appears 
to  rest  upon  good  grounds,  is  now  found  to  be  one 
made  not  more  than  two  thousand  nine  hundred  years 
ago.f  As  for  the  conclusion  drawn  from  the  supposed 
zodiacs  in  the  temples  of  Esneh  and  Dendara  in  Egypt, 
it  is  now  strongly  doubted  whether  the  figures  repre- 
sented upon  them  are  astronomical  or  mythological, 
that  is,  whether  they  are  zodiacs  at  all.  Their  astro- 
nomical character  is  strongly  denied  by  Dr.  Richard- 
son, a  late  traveller,  who  examined  them  with  great 
care,  and  who  gives  large  reasons  for  his  opinion. 
Even  if  the  astronomical  character  of  these  assumed 
zodiacs  be  allowed,  they  are  found  to  prove  nothing. 
M.  Biot,  an  eminent  French  mathematician,  has  re- 
cently fixed  the  date  of  the  oldest  of  them  at  only  716 
years  before  Christ. 

Y.  G-eologists  have    sometimes   contended  that   the 

*  Cuvier's  Theory  of  the  Earth.  f  Ibid. 


76  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [nO.  III. 

period  of  time  requisite  for  the  formation  of  tlie  prima- 
tive  structure  of  the  earth  argues  that  the  world  is 
much  older  than  the  Mosaic  account  seems  to  intimate. 

T.  But  geologists  of  equal  eminence  have  been  of  a 
contrary  opinion ;  and  the  great  differences  among 
those  who  profess  this  science  render  objections  of  this 
kind  of  little  weight.  Besides,  two  things  are  assumed 
in  the  objection  without  any  proof:  1.  That  the  prim- 
ative  strata  were  not  created  in  their  present  composite 
form.  2.  That,  if  progressively  formed,  the  processes 
were  always  as  slow  as  at  present — neither  of  which  can 
be  proved.  Besides,  many  divines  allow  that  the  earth 
may  have  passed  through  many  changes  from  the  time 
of  "the  beginning/^  spoken  of  Gen,  i.  1,  and  its  forma- 
tion in  the  present  state,  as  described  in  (len.  i,  2-31. 

Y.  Has  not  the  general  deluge  been  objected  to? 

T.  It  has;  but  the  whole  earth  bears  testimony  to 
the  fact.  It  is  not  only  preserved  in  the  traditions  of 
all  nations,  but,  after  all  the  philosophical  arguments 
which  were  formerly  urged  against  it,  philosophy  has 
at  length  acknowledged  that  the  present  surface  of  the 
earth  must  have  been  submerged  under  water. 

Y.  Has  it  not  been  supposed  that  the  ark  could  not 
contain  the  living  creatures  which  are  said  to  have  been 
received  into  it  ? 

T.  Yes ',  but  without  reason.  Dr.  Hales  proves  the 
ark  to  have  been  of  the  burden  of  42,413  tons,  and 
asks,  "  Can  we  doubt  of  its  being  sufficient  to  contain 
eight  persons,  and  about  two  hundred  or  two  hundred 
and  fifty  pair  of  four-footed  animals;  a  number  to 
which,  according  to  M.  Buifon,  all  the  various  distinct 
species  may  be  reduced,  together  with  all  the  subsist- 
ence necessary  for  a  twelvemonth,  with  the  fowls  of  the 
air,  and  such  reptiles  and  insects  as  cannot  live  under 
water  ?"  All  these  various  animals  were  also  controlled 
by  the  power  of  God,  whose  special  agency  is  supposed 
in  the  whole  transaction^  and  "the  lion  was  made  to 
lie  down  with  the  kid." 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  77 


HYM^^S 


EXCELLENCY  OF  THE  CHRISTLIN  RELIGION. 

1  Let  everlasting  glories  crown 

Thy  head,  my  Saviour,  and  my  Lord  : 
Thy  hands  have  brought  salvation  down, 
And  writ  the  blessings  in  thy  word. 

2  What  if  we  trace  the  globe  around, 
And  search  from  Britain  to  Japan, 

There  shall  be  no  religion  found 
So  just  to  God,  so  safe  for  man. 

3  In  vain  the  trembling  conscience  seeks 
Some  solid  ground  to  rest  upon  ; 

With  long  despair  the  spirit  breaks, 
Till  we  apply  to  Christ  alone. 

4  How  well  thy  blessed  truths  agree ! 
How  wise  and  holy  thy  commands  ! 

Thy  promises,  how  firm  they  be ! 
How  firm  our  hope,  our  comfort  stands ! 

5  Not  the  feigned  fields  of  heath'nish  bliss 
Could  raise  such  pleasures  in  the  mind  • 

Nor  does  the  Turkish  paradise  ' 

Pretend  to  joys  so  well  refined. 

6  Should  all  the  forms  that  men  devise 
Assault  my  faith  with  treach'rous  art 

I  d  call  them  vanity  and  lies,  ' 

And  bind  the  gospel  to  my  heart. 

A  RATIONAL  DEFENCE  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 

1  Shall  atheists  dare  insult  the  cross 

Of  our  incarnate  God  ? 
Shall  infidels  revile  his  truth, 

And  trample  on  his  blood  / 


78  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  III. 

2  What  if  he  choose  mysterious  ways 
To  cleanse  us  from  our  faults  ? 

May  not  the  works  of  sovereign  grace 
Transcend  our  feeble  thoughts  ? 

3  What  if  his  gospel  bids  us  strive 
With  flesh,  and  self,  and  sin  ? 

The  prize  is  most  divinely  bright 
That  we  are  called  to  win. 

4  What  if  the  men  despised  on  earth 
Still  of  his  grace  partake  ? 

This  but  confirms  his  truth  the  more, 
For  so  the  prophet  spake. 

6  Do  some  that  own  his  sacred  truth 

Indulge  their  souls  in  sin  ? 
None  should  reproach  the  Saviour's  name, 

His  laws  are  pure  and  clean. 

6  Then  let  our  faith  be  firm  and  strong, 

Our  lips  profess  his  word ; 
Nor  ever  shun  those  holy  men 

Who  fear  and  love  the  Lord. 


THE  EXCELLENCE  OF  THE  BIBLE. 

1  Great  God  !  with  wonder  and  with  praise 
On  all  thy  works  I  look ; 

But  still  thy  wisdom,  power,  and  grace, 
Shine  brighter  in  thy  book. 

2  The  stars,  that  in  their  courses  roll. 
Have  much  instruction  given ; 

But  thy  good  word  informs  my  soul 
How  I  may  climb  to  heaven. 

3  The  fields  provide  me  food,  and  show 
The  goodness  of  the  Lord  ; 

But  fruits  of  life  and  glory  grow 
In  thy  most  holy  word. 

4  Here  are  my  choicest  treasures  hid, 
Here  my  best  comfort  lies  ; 

Here  my  desires  are  satisfied. 
And  hence  my  hopes  arise. 


NO.  III.]  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  79 

6  Lord,  make  me  understand  thy  law, 

Show  what  my  faults  have  been ; 
And  from  thy  gospel  let  me  draw 

Pardon  for  all  my  sin. 

6  Here  I  would  learn  how  Christ  has  died 
To  save  my  soul  from  hell : 

Not  all  the  books  on  earth  beside 
Such  heavenly  wonders  tell. 

7  Then  let  me  love  my  Bible  more, 
And  take  a  fresh  delight 

By  day  to  read  these  wonders  o'er, 
And  meditate  by  night. 


READING  THE  SCRIPTURES. 

1  When  quiet  in  my  house  I  sit, 
Thy  book  be  my  companion  still ; 

My  joy,  thy  sayings  to  repeat. 

Talk  o'er  the  records  of  thy  will, 
And  search  the  oracles  divine, 
Till  every  heartfelt  word  be  mine. 

2  0  may  the  gracious  words  divine 
Subject  of  all  my  converse  be ! 

So  will  the  Lord  his  follower  join, 

And  walk  and  talk  himself  with  me : 
So  shall  my  heart  his  presence  prove, 
And  burn  with  everlasting  love. 

3  Oft  as  I  lay  me  down  to  rest, 
0  may  the  reconciling  word 

Sweetly  compose  my  weary  breast, 
While,  on  the  bosom  of  my  Lord, 
I  sink  in  blissful  dreams  away, 
And  visions  of  eternal  day  ! 

4  Rising  to  sing  my  Saviour's  praise, 
Thee  may  I  publish  all  day  long ; 

And  let  thy  precious  word  of  grace 

Flow  from  my  heart  and  fill  my  tongue- 
Fill  all  my  life  with  purest  love, 
And  join  me  to  thy  Church  above. 


80  WESLEYAN   CATECHISM.  [NO.  Ill 


INSTRUCTIONS  FROM  SCRIPTURE. 

1  How  shall  the  young  secure  their  hearts, 
And  guard  their  lives  from  sin  ? 

Thy  word  the  choicest  rule  imparts 
To  keep  the  conscience  clean. 

2  When  once  it  enters  to  the  mind, 
It  spreads  such  light  abroad, 

The  meanest  souls  instruction  find, 
And  raise  their  thoughts  to  God. 

3  'Tis  like  the  sun,  a  heavenly  light. 
That  guides  us  all  the  day; 

And,  through  the  dangers  of  the  night, 
A  lamp  to  lead  our  way. 

4  The  men  who  keep  thy  law  with  care, 
And  meditate  thy  word, 

Grow  wiser  than  their  teachers  are. 
And  better  know  the  Lord. 

5  Thy  precepts  make  me  truly  wise: 

I  hate  the  sinner's  road;  ■ 

I  hate  my  own  vain  thoughts  that  rise  j  ^  *  "1 

But  love  thy  law,  my  God.  '    1 

6  The  starry  heavens  thy  rule  obey, 
The  earth  maintains  her  place  ; 

And  these  thy  servants,  night  and  day 
Thy  skill  and  power  express. 

7  But  still,  thy  law  and  gospel,  Lord, 
Have  lessons  more  divine : 

Not  earth  stands  firmer  than  thy  word,  i 

Nor  stars  so  nobly  shine.  j 

8  Thy  word  is  everlasting  truth ;  1 
How  pure  is  every  page  !  f 

That  holy  book  shall  guide  our  youth,  j 

And  well  support  our  age. 


THE   END. 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM, 


VOLUME   I. 


BY 

THOMAS    0.    SUMMERS 


SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 

1860. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  tlie  year  1858,  by 

J.   B.   M'FERRIN, 
in  the  Office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Middle 

District  of  Tennessee. 


STEREOTYPED   AND   PRINTED   BY  A.  A.  STITT, 
SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE,  NASHVILLE,  TENN. 


xtintt. 


The  design  of  this  Catecliism  is  to  furnish  children 
with  a  general  view  of  every  book  in  the  inspired 
volume.  To  do  this  in  a  small  compass,  and  yet  de- 
scend as  much  to  detail  as  is  necessary  to  give  interest 
to  the  work,  involved  considerable  difficulty  and  no 
small  labor.  Brevity  and  simplicity  have  alike  been 
consulted,  while  the  lessons  are  so  framed  and  arranged 
that  they  may  be  made  the  basis  of  catechetical  instruc- 
tion in  the  case  of  young  persons  more  advanced  than 
those  for  whom  they  are  specially  designed.  It  is  hoped 
that  this  Catechism  may  take  the  place  of  less  suitable 
works  for  Sunday-school  and  family  instruction. 

Nashville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  11,  1858. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


LESSON   I. 


Q.  What  is  tlie  mcauing  of 
Bible? 

A.  The  Book. 

Q.  Why  is  it  so  called? 

A.  Because  it  is  the  Book 
of  books. 

Q.  ^Vlio  calls  it  the  book? 

A.  David.     Ps.  xl.  7. 

Q.  Who  calls  it  the  book  of 
the  Lord  ? 

A.  Isaiah.    Isa.  xxxiv.  16. 

Q.  What  else  is  it  called? 

A.  The  law  of  the  Lord. 
Ps.  cxix.  2.  /^ 

Q.  Who  calls  it  the  Scripture 
of  truth? 

A.  An  angel.    Dan.  x.  21. 

Q.  What  is  it  frequently  called 
by  inspired  writers? 

A.  The  Scripture.  1  Pet. 
ii.  6. 

Q.  What  else? 

A.  The  Scriptures.  John 
V.  39. 

Q.  What  else? 

A.  The  Holy  Scriptures. 
2  Tim.  iii.  15. 


Q.  What  else  ? 

A.  The  Word.  1  Pet.  ii.  2. 

Q.  \Miatelse? 

A.  The  Word  of  God.  Luke 
xi.  28. 

Q.  What  else? 

A.  The  Word  of  Christ. 
Col.  iii.  16. 

Q.  "What  else  ? 

A.  The  Word  of  truth. 
James,  i.  18. 

Q.  What  else? 

A.  The  lively  Oracles.  Acts 
vii.  38. 

Q.  Wliat  else  ? 

A.  The  Oracles  of  God. 
Rom.  iii.  2. 

Q.  What  is  the  meaning  of  or- 
acles? 

A.  Revelations,  or  mes- 
sages from  God. 

Q.  What  is  the  meaning  of 
scriptures? 

A.  Writings. 

Q.  Why  are  they  called  holy? 

A.  Because  holy  meu  of 

God  wrote  them  as  they  were 

(V) 


6 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  because  they  teach  men 
to  become  holy. 

Q.  What  are  tlie  two  great 
parts  of  the  Bible  'I 

A.  The  Old  Testament  and 
the  New  Testament. 

Q.    What     does     Testament 
mean? 

A.  A  will. 

Q.  What  word  is  sometimes 
used  for  Testament? 

A.  Covenant. 

Q.  How  many  books  are  there 
in  the  Old  Testament? 

A.  Thirty-nine. 

Q.  How  many  in  the  New  ? 


A.  Twenty-seven. 

Q.  What  are  the  first  five  booka 
of  the  Bible  called? 
A.  The  Pentateuch. 

Q.  By  whom  were  they  writ- 
ten? 

A.  Moses. 

Q.  What  is  the  name  of  the 
first  book? 

A.  Genesis. 

Q.    What     does    that    word 
mean? 

A.  Generation  or  creation. 
Q.  Why  is  it  so  called? 
A.  Because  it  begins  with 
an  account  of  the  creation. 


LESSON  II. 


Q.  What  is  the  first  verse  in 
the  Bible  ? 

A.  In  the  beginning  God 
created  the  heavens  and  the 
earth. 

Q.  Wliat  is  meant  by  the  be- 
ginning ? 

A.  The  period  before  which 
the  world  was  not. 

Q.  Of  what  was  the  universe 
made? 

A.  Of  nothing.   Heb.  xi.  3. 

Q.  How  did  the  earth  fii-st  ap- 
pear? 

A.  Without  form  and  void. 

Q.  What  did  the  Spirit  of  God 
do? 

A.  Move  upon  the  face  of 
the  waters. 


Q.   What  did  God  make  the 
first  day  ? 

A.  Light. 
Q.  How? 

A.   By  saying,  Let  there 
be  light. 

Q.  What  did  he  make  the  se- 
cond day? 
A.  The  firmament. 

Q.  What  the  third  day? 
A.  Plants  and  trees. 
Q.  What  the  fourth? 
A.    The  sun,   moon,   and 
stars. 

Q.  What  the  fifth? 

A.  Fishes  and  birds. 

Q.  What  the  sixth? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


A.  Beasts,  reptiles,  and 
man. 

Q.  How  was  man  created? 

A.  In  the  image  of  God. 

Q.  In  what  does  that  consist? 

A.  In  knowledge,  holiness, 
and  immortality. 

Q.  How  long  was  God  making 
the  world  ? 
A.  Six  days. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  on  the  sev- 
enth day  ? 

A.  He  rested.    Gen.  ii. 

Q.  How  did  he  distinguish  the 
seventh  day  ? 

A.  lie  blessed  and  sancti- 
fied it  as  the  Sabbath. 

Q.  How  many  persons  did  God 
create? 

A.  Two — a  man  and  a  wo- 
man. 

Q.  Which  did  he  make  first? 

A.  The  man. 

Q.  Out  of  what  did  he  make 
him? 

A.  The  dust  of  the  ground, 
and  breathed  into  his  nostrils 
the  breath  of  life. 

Q.  Out  of  what  did  he  make 
the  woman  ? 

A.  Out  of  one  of  Adam's 
ribs. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  her  ? 

A.  Gave  her  to  Adam  for 
a  wife. 

Q.  Where  did  he  put  them  ? 

A.  In  the  garden  of  Eden. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  Adam  to 
do? 


A.  Take  care  of  the  gar- 
den, and  eat  of  its  fruits. 

Q.  What  did  he  forbid  him  to 
do? 

A.  To  eat  of  the  tree  of 
knowledge  of  good  and  evil. 

Q.  What  did  he  threaten? 

A.  In  the  day  thou  eatest 
thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die. 

Q.  Did  he  eat  of  it? 

A.  He  did.     Gen.  iii. 

Q.  Who  tempted  him? 

A.  Eve. 

Q.  Who  tempted  Eve  ? 

A.  The  serpent. 

Q.  Who  was  the  serpent? 

A.  The  devil.    Rev.  xii.  9. 

Q.  How  did  he  tempt  her  ? 

A.  By  telling  her  the  fruit 
would  make  them  very  wise, 
and  that  they  should  not  die 
if  they  ate  of  it. 

Q.  Is  not  Satan  a  liar? 

A.  Yes:  the  father  of  lies. 
John  viii.  44. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  say  to 
the  serpent? 

A.  He  told  him  he  was 
cursed,  and  that  his  head 
should  be  bruised  by  the 
seed  of  the  woman. 

Q.  What  does  that  mean? 

A.  That  his  power  should 
be  destroyed. 

Q.  Who  is  the  seed  of  the  wo- 
man? 

A.  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Gal.  iv.  4. 

Q.  Did  God  punish  the  woman 
for  her  sin  ? 


8 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


A.  He  did,  severely. 
Q.  Did  he  punisli  the  man? 
A.  He  did,  by  cursing  the 
earth  for  his  sake. 


Q.  What  did  he  then  do  to 
them? 

A.  He  drove  them  out  of 
the  garden. 


LESSON    III. 


Q.  Wliat  were  the  names  of 
Adam's  first  two  sons? 

A.  Cain  and  Abel.  Gen. 
iv. 

Q.  What  was  Cain? 

A.  A  tiller  of  the  ground. 

Q.  What  was  Abel? 

A.  A  keeper  of  sheep. 

Q.  What  did  Cain  offer  to  God  ? 

A.  Of  the  fruit  of  the 
ground. 

Q.  What  did  Abel  offer? 

A.  A  lamb. 

Q,  Which  did  God  accept? 

A.  Abel's  offering. 

Q.  Why? 

A.  By  faith  Abel  offered 
unto  God  a  more  excellent 
sacrifice  than  Cain.  Heb.  xi. 
4. 

Q.  Did  God  reject  Cain's  offer- 
ing? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  effect  had  this  on 
Cain? 

A.  It  made  him  very  an- 
gry. 

Q.  Wliat  did  he  do  ? 

A.  He  killed  his  brother. 

Q.  What  does  John  say  about 
this  2 


A.  Cain  was  of  that  wicked 
one,  and  slew  his  brother ; 
because  his  own  works  were 
evil,  and  his  brother's  right- 
eous.    1  John  iii.  12. 

Q.  Did  God  punish  Cain? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  How? 

A.  He  cursed  the  ground 
for  his  sake,  and  drove  him 
out  to  wander  in  the  earth. 

Q.  What  did  Cain  say? 

A.  My  punishment  is 
greater  than  I  can  bear. 

Q.  Was  he  afraid  some  one 
would  kill  him? 

A.  He  was. 

Q.  What  did  God  do  to  him? 

A.  Assured  him  by  a  sign 
that  he  should  not  be  killed. 

Q.  Who  was  Cain's  son? 

A.  Enoch,  but  not  he  who 
was  translated. 

Q.  Who  were  Lamech's  two 
wives  ? 

A.  Adah  and  Zillah. 

Q.  "Who  were  Adah's  sons? 

A.  Jabal,  the  first  who 
dwelt  in  tents,  and  Jubal, 
the  first  musician. 

Q.  Who  was  Zillah' s  son? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


9 


A.  Tubal-cain,  the  first 
gmith. 

Q.  Tho  was  Adam's  tliird  son? 
A.  Seth. 

Q.  What  patriarchs  lived  be- 
fore the  flood? 

A.  Adam,  Seth,  Enos,  Cai- 
nan,  Mahalaleel,  Lamech, 
Jared,  Enoch,  Methuselah, 
and  Noah.     Gen.  v. 

Q.  What  is  the  meaning  of 
patriarch? 

A.  Head  of  a  family. 

Q.  Ho"w  old  was  Adam  when 
he  died? 

A.  Nine  hundred  and 
thirty  years. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  Enoch? 
A.  He  lived  three  hundred 


and  sixty- five  years:  he 
"walked  with  God,  and  was 
not,  for  God  took  him. 

Q.  Who  was  this  Lamech? 

A.  Not  the  same  as  the  de- 
scendant of  Cain,  but  the 
father  of  Noah. 

Q,  Who  was  the  oldest  man? 

A.  Methuselah. 

Q.  How  old  was  he  at  his 
death? 

A.  Nine  hundred  and 
sixty-nine  years. 

Q.  "When  did  he  die  ? 

A.  In  the  year  of  the  flood. 

Q.  Which  of  the  patriarchs 
lived  before  and  after  the  flood? 

A.  Noah. 

s 


LESSON   IV. 


Q.  Were  the  people  generally 
good  in  Noah's  time  ? 

A.  They  were  nearly  all 
very  bad.     Gen.  vi. 

Q.  How  did  God  punish  them  ? 

A.  By  drowning  them 
with  a  flood  of  water. 

Q.  Were  all  drowned? 

A.  No ;  Noah  and  his  fam- 
ily were  saved. 

Q.  How  many  persons  were 
they  in  all? 

A.  Eight:  Noah  and  his 
wife,  and  his  three  sons  and 
their  wives. 

Q.  Were  any  of  the  animals 
saved? 


A.  Yes;  some  of  every 
kind.     Gen.  vii. 

Q.  How  were  they  saved? 
A.  In  an  ark. 

Q.  How  long  was  Noah  build- 
ing so  great  a  vessel  ? 

A.  Probably  one  hundred 
and  twenty  years. 

Q.  How  long  did  they  stay  in 
the  ark  ? 

A.  One  year.     Gen.  viii. 
Q.  Where  did  the  ark  rest? 
A.   On  the  mountains  of 
Ararat. 

Q.  Where  are  they? 

A.  In  Armenia,  in  Asia. 


10 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  How  did  Noah  find  out  that 
the  waters  were  abated? 

A.  He  first  sent  out  a  ra- 
ven, which  did  not  return. 
Q.  What  next  did  he  do  ? 
r      "     A.    Sent  out  a  dove ;  but 
it  X  ahe  returned,  for  she  found 
no  rest  for  the  sole  of  her 
foot. 

Q.  Wlxat  did  he  do  after  seven 
days  more  ? 

A.  Sent  out  the  dove  again, 
and  she  returned  in  the  even- 
ing with  an  olive  leaf  in  her 
mouth, 

Q.  What  did  he  do  after  ano- 
ther week? 

A.  Sent  out  the  dove  again, 
and  she  returned  no  more. 

Q.  ^Vliat  then  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Went  out  of  the  ark. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  then? 

A.  Built  an  altar  and  of- 
fered burnt-ofi'erings  to  God. 

Q.  Was  God  pleased  with  this? 

A.  He  was,  and  promised 
Noah  that  the  earth  should 
never  more  be  destroyed 
by  a  flood. 

Q.  What  did  God  then  do  ? 

A.  He  blessed  Noah  and 
his  sons,  and  gave  them  leave 
to  eat  all  kinds  of  vegetable 
and  animal  food,  except 
blood.     Gen.  ix. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about  mur- 
der? 

A.  Whoso  sheddeth  man's 
blood,  by  man  shall  his  blood 
be  shed  ;  for  in  the  image  of 
God  made  he  man. 


Q.  What  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  Made  a  covenant  with 
Noah,  in  which  he  piouiised 
that  the  earth  should  no 
more  be  destroyed  by  a 
flood. 

Q.  What  was  the  token  of  the 
covenant? 

A.  The  rainbow. 

Q.  Does  the  rainbow  assure  us 
that  the  world  will  not  be  again 
drowned? 

A.  It  does ;  and  it  re- 
minds us  also  of  the  cove- 
nant of  grace.     Kev.  iv.  3. 

Q.  Who  were  Noah's  sons? 
A.  Shem,  Ham,  and  Ja- 
pheth. 

Q.  What  did  Noah  do  after 

this  ? 

A.  Planted  a  vineyard, 
and  became  drunk  with  the 
wine. 

Q.  What  did  Ham  do? 

A.  Exposed  his  father, 
for  which  he  was  afterward 
cursed. 

Q.  What  did  Shem  and  Ja- 
pheth  do  to  their  father? 

A.  Covered  him,  for  which 
they  were  afterward  blessed. 

Q.  How  old  was  Noah  when 
he  died? 

A.  Nine  hundred  and  fifty 

years. 

Q.    Did    all   mankind    spring 
from  Noah's  sons? 
A.  Yes.     Gen.  x. 

Q.  From  whom  did  the  Jews 
descend? 

A.  From  Shem. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


11 


Q.  From  whom  did  tlie  Afri- 
cans descend? 

A.  From  Ham. 


Q.   From  wliom  did  we  de- 
scend? 


A.  From  Japheth. 


LESSON   V. 


Q.  How  many  languages  were 
there  in  early  times. 

A.  Only  one.     Gen.  xi. 

Q.  What  did  the  people  at- 
tempt to  do  ? 

A.  To  build  a  city  and  a 
tower. 

Q.  Where? 

A.  In  the  land  of  Sliinar. 

Q.  For  what  purpose  ? 

A.  To  make  them  a  name, 
and  prevent  dispersion. 

Q.  With  what  did  they  build? 

A.  Well -burnt  brick  and 
slime,  or  bitumen. 

Q.  How  were  they  prevented  ? 

A.  God  confounded  their 
language. 

Q.  What  was  the  place  called  ? 

A.  Babel,  which  means 
confusion. 

Q.  How  old  was  Shem  at  his 
death? 

A.  Six  hundred  years. 

Q.  Who  was  Abram's  father? 

A.  Terah.     Gen.  xi.  27. 

Q.  Who  was  Abram's  wife  ? 

A.  Sarai. 

Q.  Where  were  they  born? 

A.  In  Ur,  in  Mesopotamia. 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  Abram 
to  do? 


A.  To  remove  to  a  strange 
country.     Gen.  xii. 
Q.  Did  he  go? 
A.  He  did.    Heb.  xi.  8. 

Q.  To  what  place  did  he  first 
go? 

A.  Haran,  or  Charran. 
Acts  vii.  4. 

Q.  Whither  then? 

A.  To  Canaan. 

Q.  What  did  God  promise  him? 

A.  To  make  of  him  a  great 
nation. 

Q.  Who  went  with  him  beside 
Sarai  ? 

A.  Lot,  his  nephew. 

Q.  Where  did  he  build  an  al- 
tar? 

A.  Between  Bethel  and 
Hai. 

Q.  Wliither  did  he  then  go? 
A.  Farther  south. 

Q.  When  there  was  a  famine, 
what  did  he  do? 

A.  Went  to  Egypt. 

Q.  When  they  returned  to  Ca- 
naan, why  did  Abram  and  Lot 
separate  ? 

A.  Because  their  substance 
was  so  great.     Gen.  xiii. 

Q.  Which  region  did  Lot 
choose  ? 

A.  The  plain  of  Jordan. 


12 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


Q.  Why? 

A.  Because  it  was  well 
watered. 

Q.  In  wliat  city  did  lie  live  ? 
A.  In  Sodom. 

Q.  Where  did  Ahram  pitch  his 
teut  and  buikl  an  altar  ? 

A.  lu  Hebron. 

Q.  What  happened  about  this 
time? 

A.  Lot  was  taken  prisoner 
in  a  war.     Gen.  xiv. 

Q.  How  was  he  rescued  ? 

A.  By  Abram,  who,  with 
his  three  hundred  and  eigh- 
teen servants  and  some 
friends,  overcame  the  forces 
of  four  kings. 

Q.  Wlio  met  him  on  his  retm-n  ? 


A.    Melchizedek,   a    king 
and  priest. 

Q.  What  did  Melchizedek  do? 
A.    Gave   him  bread  and 
wine,  and  blessed  him. 

Q.  What  did  Abram  do  ? 
A.      Gave      Melchizedek 
tithes  of  the  spoils. 

Q.  Of  whom  was  Melchizedek 
a  type? 

A.  Of  Christ.     Heb.  vii. 

Q.  What  did  Abram  do  with 
the  rest  of  the  spoils? 

A.    Gave    them    to    their 
owners. 

Q.  Was  Abram  generous  and 
brave  ? 

A.  He  was. 


LESSON   VI, 


Q.  What  did  God  say  to  en- 
courage Abram? 

A.  Fear  not:  I  am  thy 
shield,  and  thy  exceeding 
great  reward.    Gen.  xv. 

Q,  What  did  he  promise  him? 

A.  A  large  posterity. 

Q.  Did  Abram  believe  God? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  "WHi at  was  then  predicted? 

A.  The  bondage  and  de- 
liverance of  Israel. 

Q.  What  was  covenanted? 

A.  The  grant  of  the  land  of 
Israel  to  Abram's  posterity. 

Q.  Who  was  Sarai's  maid? 


A.  Ilagar,  an  Egyptian. 
Gen.  xvi. 

Q.    Was  she   the    mother  of 
Abram's  son  Ishmael? 
A.  She  was. 

Q.  Wlien  she  despised  her  mis- 
tress, what  happened  ? 

A.  Sarai  dealt  hardly  with 
her,  and  she  ran  away. 

Q.  Who  sent  her  back? 
A.  An  angel,  who  found 
her  on  the  way  to  Egypt. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  her? 

A.  That  her  son  should  be 
the  fatlier  of  a  great  and  war- 
like people. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


13 


Q.  What  did  she  call  the  name 
of  the  Lord  that  spoke  unto  her  ? 

A.  Thou  God  seest  me. 
Q.  Who  then  was  that  angel? 
A.     Probably    the    Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

Q.  What  happened  when 
Alaram  was  ninety-nine  years  old  ? 

A.  The  Lord  appeared  to 
him,  and  said,  I  am  the  Al- 
mighty God :  walk  before 
me,  and  be  thou  perfect. 
Gen.  xvii. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Changed  his  name  from 
Abram,  which  means  High 
Father,  to  Abraham,  which 
means  Father  of  a  multitude. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  do? 

A.  Made  a  covenant  with 
him. 

Q.  What  was  its  sign  ? 

A.  Circumcision. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  to  Sarai  ? 

A.  Changed  her  name  from 
Sarai,  which  means  My  Prin- 
cess, to  Sarah,  which  means 
Princess. 

Q.  What  was  Abraham's 
prayer  for  Ishmael  ? 


A.  0  that  Ishmael  might 
live  before  thee ! 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  him? 

A.  That  Ishmael  should 
be  the  father  of  twelve 
princes,  but  that  Sarah 
should  bear  a  son,  named 
Isaac,  with  whom  the  cove- 
nant should  be  established. 

Q.  What  does  that  mean? 
A.     That    Christ    should 
spring  from  Isaac's  posterity. 

Q.  Were  Ishmael  and  the  other 
members  of  Abraham's  family 
excluded  from  the  spiritual  bless- 
ings of  the  covenant? 

A.  They  were  not,  hence 
they  received  the  sign  of  it. 

Q.  Are  we  Gentiles  interested 
in  this  covenant? 

A.  We  are.     Gal.  iii.  14. 

Q.  What  does  Paul  say  about 
it? 

A.  As  many  of  you  as 
have  been  baptized  into 
Christ,  have  put  on  Christ. 
And  if  ye  be  Christ's,  then 
are  ye  Abraham's  seed,  and 
heirs  according  to  the  pro- 
mise.    Gal.  iii.  27,  29. 


LESSON   VII 


Q.  What  happened  to  Abra- 
ham at  Mamre  ? 

A.  The  Lord  appeared  to 
him.     Gen.  xviii. 

Q.  "NMiere  was  he  ? 

A.  Sitting  in  his  tent  door 
at  Mamre. 


Q.  Whom  did  he  see? 
A,    Three    persons     who 
looked  like  men. 


Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 
A.    Invited  them   to 
with  him. 


rest 


14 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Did  tliey  accept  tlie  invita- 
tion? 

A.  They  did. 

Q.  How  did  lie  entertain  them  ? 

A.  Washed  their  feet,  kill- 
ed a  calf,  and  prepared  cakes 
and  butter  and  milk  for  them. 

Q.  "Where  did  he  set  it  before 
them? 

A.  Under  the  tree. 

Q.  Did  they  eat? 

A.  They  did,  Abraham 
standing  by  them. 

Q.  What  did  they  promise  ? 

A.  That  Sarah  should  bear 
a  son. 

Q.  Where  was  she  ? 

A.  In  the  tent. 

Q.  Did  she  hear  them? 

A.  She  did. 

Q.  What  did  she  do? 

A.  Laughed,  as  she  did 
not  think  it  possible. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  say  ? 

A.  Wherefore  did  Sarah 
laugh  ?  Is  any  thing  too  hard 
for  the  Lord  ? 

Q.  What  did  Sarah  say? 

A.  I  laughed  not. 

Q.  Why  did  she  tell  that  false- 
hood? 

A.  Because  she  was  afraid. 

Q.  Was  that  a  good  excuse  ? 

A.  It  was  not. 

Q.  What  did  the  men  then  do  ? 

A.  Rose  up  and  looked 
toward  Sodom. 

Q.  Why  did  the  Lord  tell 
Abraham  what  he  was  going  to 
do  with  Sodom? 


A.  Because  he  was  to  bo 
the  head  of  a  great  nation, 
and  because  he  trained  his 
family  in  religion. 

Q.  What  became  of  two  of  the 

persons? 

A.  They  went  on  towari 
Sodom. 

Q.  Who  was  the  other  that  re- 
mained? 

A.  The  Lord,  who  appear- 
ed like  a  man. 

Q.  "S^Tien  he  told  Abraham 
about  the  destruction  of  Sodom, 
what  did  Abraham  do? 

A.  Pleaded  for  its  preser- 
vation. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  say? 

A.  lie  would  not  destroy 
it  if  ten  good  persons  were 
found  in  it. 

Q.  When  the  two  angels  ar- 
rived at  Sodom,  what  did  they 
do? 

A.  Hastened  Lot  and  his 
family  away.     Gen.  xix. 

Q.  What  did  they  say  ? 
A.  Escape  for  thy  life. 
Q.  Did  they  go? 
A.  Lot  and  his  wife  and 
two  daughters  did. 

Q.  What  became  of  his  wife? 

A.  She  looked  behind  her 
and  became  a  pillar  of 
salt. 

Q.  What  does  Christ  say? 

A.  Remember  Lot's  wife. 
Luke  xvii.  32. 

Q.  How  many  cities  were  over- 
thrown? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


15 


A.  Four:  Sodom,  Gomor- 
rah, Admah,  and  Zeboira. 
Deut.  xxix.  23. 

Q.  Where  did  Lot  then  reside  ? 


A.  First  in  Zoar,  and  then 
in  a  cave  in  the  mountain. 
Q.  Who  were  his  two  sons? 
A.  Moab  and  Ammon. 


LESSON   VIII. 


Q.  Where  did  Abraham  next 
sojourn? 

A.  In  Gerar.    Gen,  xx. 

Q.  What  happened  to  him 
there  ? 

A.  The  king  of  Gerar  took 
his  wife. 

Q.  Did  Abimelech  know  that 
Sarah  was  Abraham's  wife  ? 

A.  He  did  not. 

Q.  How  was  this  ? 

A.  Abraham  called  her 
his  sister. 

Q.  Was  she  his  sister  ? 

A.  She  was  the  daughter 
of  his  father,  but  not  of  his 
mother. 

Q.  May  such  relatives  marry 
together  now? 

A.  No. 

Q.  Ought  Abraham  to  have 
called  her  sister? 

A.  No. 

Q.  Had  he  done  so  before  ? 

A.  He  had:  in  Egypt. 
Gen.  xii. 

Q.  What  induced  him  to  do  so  ? 

A.  He  was  afraid  they 
would  kill  him  to  get  her  if 
they  knew  he  was  her  hus- 
band. 


Q.  Did  the  king  in  either  case 
keep  Sarah? 

A.  No ;  the  Lord  caused 
her  to  be  restored  to  Abra- 
ham. 

Q.  How  old  was  Abraham 
when  Isaac  was  born? 

A.  One  hundred  years. 
Gen.  xxi. 

Q.  Did  Isaac  receive  the  sign 
and  seal  of  the  covenant  when 
he  was  eight  days  old  ? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  did  Ishmael  do  to  his 
brother  Isaac  ? 

A.  Mocked  him. 

Q.  What  did  Isaac's  mother 

say? 

A.  Cast  out  this  bond-wo- 
man and  her  son. 

Q.  Did  Abraham  send  them 
away  ? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  Where  did  Ishmael  dwell? 
A.    In  the  wilderness  of 
Paran. 

Q.  What  did  he  become? 
A.  An  archer. 
Q.  Whom  did  he  marry  ? 
A.  An  Egyptian. 


16 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  Abraham  and 
Abimelech  do? 

A.  JMade  a  covenant  at 
Beersheba. 

Q.  What  is  then  said  of  Abra- 
ham ? 

A.  He  planted  a  grove  in 
Beersheba,  and  called  on  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  did  God  then  do  to 
him? 

A.  Tempted  or  tried  him. 
Gen.  xxii. 

Q.  How? 

A.  By  telling  him  to  offer 
his  son  Isaac  for  a  burnt- 
offering. 

Q.  WTiatdidhe  do? 

A.  lie  rose  up  early  in  the 
morning  to  obey  the  com- 
mand. 

Q.  As  they  were  going  to  Mo- 
riah,  what  did  Isaac  say? 

A.  Behold  the  fire  and  the 
wood,  but  where  is  the  lamb 
for  a  burnt-offering  ? 

Q.  What  did  his  father  say? 

A.  My  son,  God  will  pro- 
vide himself  a  lamb  for  a 
burnt-offering. 

Q.  WTien  they  reached  the 
place,  what  was  done  ? 

A.  Abraham  built  an  al- 
tar, bound  Isaac  and  put  him 


upon  it,  and  took  the  knife 
to  kill  his  son. 

Q.  Did  he  kill  him? 

A.  The  angel  of  the  Lord 
prevented  him. 

Q.  What  did  the  angel  tell 
him? 

A.  I  know  that  thou  fear- 
est  God,  seeing  thou  hast  not 
withheld  thy  son,  thine  only 
son,  from  me. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  Abraham  saw  a  ram, 
which  was  caught  in  a  thick- 
et, and  offered  him  instead 
of  his  son. 

Q.  "What  did  he  call  the  place  ? 

A.  Jehovah-jireh. 

Q.  What  does  that  mean? 

A.  The  Lord  will  provide. 

Q.  What  blessing  did  the  Lord 
then  pronounce  on" him? 

A.  That  he  would  greatly 
multiply  his  posterity,  and 
that  in  his  seed  all  nations 
should  be  blessed. 

Q.    Who  was   the    promised 

seed? 

A.  Christ.     Gal.  iii.  16. 

Q.  Why  did  God  bless  Abra- 
ham? 

A.  Because  he  obeyed  the 
Lord. 


LESSON   IX. 


Q.  Where  did  Sarah  die  ? 
A.    At     Hebron,      Gen. 
xxiii. 


Q.  Where  is  Hebron  ? 
A.  About  twenty-five  miles 
south  of  Jerusalem. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


17 


Q.  How  old  was  she  ? 
A.     One     hundred      and 
twenty-seven  years. 

Q.  Where  did  Abraham  bury 
her? 

A.  In  the  cave  of  Mach- 
pelah,  which  he  bought  of 
the  sons  of  Heth. 

Q.  What  did  he  pay  for  it? 

A.  Four  hundred  shekels 
of  silver. 

Q.  What  did  Abraham  then 
do? 

A.  Sent  his  servant  to  Me- 
sopotamia to  get  a  wife  for 
Isaac.     Gen.  xxiv. 

Q.  As  the  servant  was  praying 
at  the  Avell  of  Nahor,  what  hap- 
pened? 

A.  Kebekah  came  to  draw 
water. 

Q.  Had  the  servant  prayed 
that  the  woman  designed  for 
Isaac  might  do  thus  ? 

A.  He  had  ;  and  he  there- 
fore thought  Rebekah  was  to 
be  Isaac's  wife. 

Q.  Who  was  Rebekah? 

A.  The  daughter  of  Be- 
thuel,  the  nephew  of  Abra- 
ham. 

Q.  What  did  Rebekah  do  ? 

A.  Drew  water  for  the  ser- 
vant and  his  camels. 

Q.   What  did  the  servant  do  ? 

A.  Gave  her  some  fine  pre- 
sents. 

Q.  Wliat  did  she  then  do  ? 

A.  AVent  and  told  Laban, 
her  brother. 

Q.  What  did  Laban  do  ? 


A.  Invited  the  servant  to 
stay  with  him. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  The  servant  went  to  the 
house,  told  his  message,  and 
the  next  day  Rebekah  went 
with  him. 

Q.  When  did  Isaac  first  see 
her? 

A.  When  he  went  out  into 
the  field  to  meditate  or  pray 
in  the  evening. 

Q.  Did  Rebekah  become  his 
wife  ? 

A.  She  did. 

Q.  What  do  you  think  of  Abra- 
ham's servant? 

A.  That  he  was  very  faith- 
ful and  pious. 

Q.  Had  Abraham  another 
wife? 

A.    Yes,   Keturah.     Gen. 

XXV. 

Q.  Wlio  were  some  of  her  de- 
scendants? 

A.  The  Midianites. 

Q.  What  did  Abraham  do  with 
his  property? 

A.  Gave  it  to  Isaac,  except 
some  gifts  to  his  other  chil- 
dren. 

Q.  What  became  of  them? 

A.  They  went  to  the  east. 

Q.  How  old  was  Abraham  at 
his  death  ? 

A.  One  hundred  and  sev- 
enty-five years. 

Q.  Where  was  he  buried? 
A.  With  Sarah,  in  the  cave 
of  Machpelah. 


18 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Who  bwriedhim? 

A.  Isaac  and  Ishmael. 

Q.  How  many  sons  liad  Ish- 
mael? 

A.  Twelve. 

Q.  Wliat  were  they? 

A.  Princes  :  the  Arabs  de- 
scended from  them. 

Q.  How  old  was  Ishmael  at 
his  death? 

A.  One  hundred  and  thirty- 
seven  years. 

Q.  How  old  was  Isaac  at  his 
marriage  ? 

A.  Forty  years. 


Q.  "^Vho  were  Isaac's  sons? 
A.  Esau  and  Jacob. 
Q.  \Yliich  was  the  elder? 
A.  Esau. 
Q.  What  did  he  do? 
A.  Sold  liis  birthright  toj 
Jacob. 

Q.  For  what? 

A.  A  mess  of  pottage. 

Q,  What  does  Paul  call  him 
for  this? 

A.  A  profane  person.  Ileb. 
xii.  16. 


LESSON    X. 


Q.  Where  did  Isaac  go  in  the 
time  of  a  famine  ? 

A.  To  Gerar,  where  Abim- 
elech  was  king.     Gen.  xxvi. 

Q.  \^niat  did  God  tell  him? 

A.  Not  to  go  to  Egypt,  but 
dwell  in  Canaan,  and  he 
would  bless  him,  and  multi- 
ply his  seed. 

Q.  Of  what  weakness  was  he 
guilty  ? 

A.  lie  called  Rebekah  his 
sister,  for  fear  the  men  of 
the  place  should  kill  him  if 
he  called  her  his  wife. 

Q.  Had  not  Abraham  acted 
thus? 

A.  He  had,  twice.  Gen. 
xii.,  XX. 

Q.  Did  Abimelech  find  out  that 
Eebekah  was  Isaac's  wife? 


A.  He  did,  and  suiBfered 
no  one  to  touch  her. 

Q.  What  did  Isaac  and  Abim- 
elech do? 

A.  Made  a  covenant  of 
friendship. 

Q.  How  old  was  Esau  when  he 
married? 

A.  Forty  years. 

Q,  Were  his  parents  pleased 
with  his  marrying  Hittites  ? 

A.  No:  they  were  grieved. 

Q.  TVHiat  did  Isaac  do  when  he 
was  old  ? 

A.  Told  Esau  to  get  him 
some  venison,  and  he  would 
bless  him.    Gen.  xxvii. 

Q.  Whatdid  Jacob  do? 
A.  Got  the  blessing  by  de- 
ceiving his  father. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


19 


Q.  What  was  that  blessing  ? 

A.  That  his  descendants 
should  have  dominion  over 
Esau's. 

Q.  "Would  they  have  had  that 
dominion  if  Jacob  had  not  cheat- 
td  Esau  out  of  the  blessing? 

A.   They  vfould, 

Q.  Did  not  Jacob  do  very 
wrong  ? 

A.  He  did,  and  suffered 
for  it  all  his  life. 

Q.  What  did  Esau  say  he  would 
do? 

A.  Kill  Jacob. 

Q.  What  did  Jacob  do? 

A.  Started  for  Padan- 
aram.     Gen.  xxviii. 

Q.  What  did  Esau  then  do? 

A.  Married  a  daughter  of 
Ishmael,  in  order  to  please 
his  father. 

Q.  What  happened  to  Jacob 
on  his  journey? 

A.  He  dreamed  that  he 
saw  a  ladder  reaching  to 
heaven,  and  angels  ascend- 
ing and  descending  on  it. 

Q.  Who  was  above  it? 

A.  The  Lord,  vs^ho  renew- 
ed to  him  the  promise  made 
to  Abraham  and  Isaac. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  Surely  the  Lord  is  in 
this  place — this  is  none  other 


than  the  house  of  God :  this 
is  the  gate  of  heaven. 

Q.  What  did  he  call  that  place  ? 

A.  Bethel,  which  means 
the  house  of  God. 

Q.  What  did  he  do? 

A.  Anointed  a  pillar,  and 
vowed  to  give  God  a  tenth  of 
all  that  he  should  give  him, 
when  he  returned  in  peace. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  meet  at  the 
well  of  Haran? 

A.  Rachel.     Gen.  xxix. 

Q.  Who  was  she  ? 

A.  His  cousin — daughter 
of  Laban. 

Q.  Wliat  then  happened? 

A.  He  went  to  the  house 
of  Laban  and  served  him  as 
a  shepherd  fourteen  years  for 
his  daughters  Leah  and  Ra- 
chel, who  became  his  wives. 

Q.  Wliich  did  he  love  most? 
A.  Rachel. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  stay  with 
Laban? 

A.  Twenty  years. 

Q.  How  many  more  wives  had 
he? 

A.  Two:  Bilhah  and  Zil- 
pah.     Gen.  xxx. 

Q.  How  many  children  had  he? 

A.  Twelve  sons  and  one 
daughter. 


20 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


LESSON  XI. 


Q.  IlovT  did  Jacob  leave  La- 
bau? 

A.  Unawares.    Gen.  xxxi. 

Q.  "S^niat  did  Laban  do? 

A,  Followed  him  ;  but  the 
Lord  told  him  not  to  hurt 
Jacob. 

Q.  Wliat  did  Laban  and  Jacob 
do  Avlien  they  met? 

A.  Made  a  friendly  cove- 
nant, and  separated. 

Q.  Wlio  met  Jacob? 

A.  The  angels.  Gen.  xxxii. 

Q.  What  did  he  call  them? 

A,  God's  host,  or  army. 

Q.  What  did  he  call  the  place  ? 

A.  Mahanaim,  which 
means  two  armies. 

Q.  Of  whom  was  he  afraid? 

A.  Of  Esau. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Sent  him  messengers 
with  a  present,  and  prayed 
God  for  protection. 

Q,  What  then  happened  ? 

A.  There  wrestled  a  man 
with  him  until  the  break  of 
day. 

Q.  Who  was  this  man? 

A.  The  Angel  of  the  cove- 
nant, or  God  in  the  likeness 
of  a  man.     IIos.  xii.  4,  5. 

Q.  Who  prevailed? 

A,  Jacob,  and  obtained 
the  blessing. 

Q.  WTiat  did  he  call  that  place  ? 


A.  Peniel,  which  means 
the  face  of  God. 

Q.  What  reason  did  he  give 
for  this  ? 

A.  I  have  seen  God  face 
to  face,  and  my  life  is  pre- 
served. 

Q.  Why  did  not  the  Israelites 
eat  of  the  sinew  of  the  thigh? 

A.  In  remembrance  of 
Jacob's  halting  on  his  thigh 
after  the  wrestling. 

Q.  When  he  saw  Esau,  what 
did  he  do? 

A.  Bowed  before  him  seven 
times.     Gen.  xxxiii. 

Q.  How  did  Esau  receive  him  ? 

A.  He  ran  to  meet  him,  fell 
on  his  neck,  and  kissed  him, 
and  they  wept. 

Q.  Did  he  take  Jacob's  pre- 
sent? 

A.  Yes:  Jacob  forced  it 
on  him. 

Q.   Did  they  part  in  peace  ? 

A.  They  did ;  Esau  going 
to  Seir  and  Jacob  to  Succoth. 

Q.  Why  was  that  place  called 
Succoth? 

A.  Because  Jacob  made 
booths  there  for  his  cattle, 
Succoth  meaning  booths. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  afterward? 

A.  Kemoved  to  Shalem, 
where  he  bought  a  field  of 
Ilamor  for  a  hundred  shekels 
of  silver. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


21 


Q.  Of  what  crael  act  were  Si- 
meon and  Levi  guilty? 

A.  Thej  deceived  and  kill- 
ed the  Shechemites,  because 
Shochem  had  injured  their 
Bister  Dinah.     Gen.  xxxiv. 

Q.  How  did  this  affect  Jacob  ? 
.  A.  He  was  very  sorry,  and 
afraid  the  people  of  the  coun- 
try would  kill  him  and  his 
family. 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  hun  to 
do? 

A.  Go  to  Bethel  and  build 
an  altar.     Gen.  xxxv. 

Q.  Did  he  do  so? 

A.  He  did,  having  first 
put  away  all  the  strange 
gods  that  were  in  his  family. 

Q.  Why  did  not  the  people  of 
the  country  pursue  after  him? 


A.  Because  the  terror  of 
God  was  upon  them. 

Q.  After  he  had  made  his  of- 
fering at  Bethel,  what  hap- 
pened ? 

A.  In  journeying  from  it, 
Rachel  died,  near  Ephrath, 
or  Betlil^hem. 

Q.  Who  were  her  two  sons? 

A.  Joseph  and  Benjamin, 
the  latter  being  born  at  the 
time  of  his  mother's  death, 

Q.  How  old  was  Isaac  when 
he  died? 

A.  One  hundred  and  eighty 
years. 

Q.  "S^Tiat  about  his  burial? 

A.  lie  was  buried  in  the 
cave  of  Machpelah  by  his 
sons  Esau  and  Jacob. 


LESSON   XII. 


Q.  Wlio  were  the  descendants 
of  Esau? 

A.  The  Edomites.  Gen. 
xxxvi. 

Q.  Where  did  they  dwell? 

A.  In  mount  Seir,  south 
of  Judea. 

Q.  What  were  their  rulers 
called  ? 

A.  Dukes  and  kings. 

Q.  Which  of  his  sons  did  Ja- 
cob love  best? 

A.  Joseph,  because  he  was 
the  son  of  his  old  age  and  of 


his   beloved    Rachel.      Gen. 
xxxvii. 

Q.  What  did  he  make  him  ? 

A.  A  coat  of  many  colors. 

Q.   How  did   this    affect   his 
brethren  ? 

A.  They  hated  him. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 
A.  Told  his  father  of  their 
evil  conduct. 

Q.  What  did  he  dream? 

A.     That     his     brothers' 


22 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


sheaves  made  obeisance  to 
his  sheaf. 

Q.  ^Miat  did  they  say  when  he 
told  them  the  di-eam? 

A.  Shalt  thou  indeed  reign 
over  us  ? 

Q.  What  else  did  he  dream  ? 

A.  That  the  sun,  moon, 
and  eleven  stars  made  obei- 
sance to  him. 

Q.  What  did  his  father  say  to 
this? 

A.  Shall  I,  and  thy  mo- 
ther, and  thy  brethren  bow 
down  to  thee  ? 

Q.  HoAv  were  his  brothers 
afiected? 

A.  They  hated  and  envied 
him. 

Q.  Wliithcr  did  they  drive 
their  flocks? 

A.  To  Shechem,  and  then 
to  Dothan. 

Q.  When  Josei)h  went  to  see 
them,  what  did  they  say? 

A.  Behold,  this  dreamer 
cometh  :  let  us  slay  him. 

Q.  Did  they  kill  him? 

A.  No :  by  the  advice  of 
Reuben  they  cast  him  into  a 
pit. 

Q.  What  was  Reuben's  design? 

A.  To  take  him  out  and 
save  him. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  with  him 
in  Reuben's  al)sence,  at  the  sug- 
gestion of  Jndah? 

A.  Sold  him  to  Ishmaelites 
for  twenty  pieces  of  silver. 

Q.  Who  sold  Jesus  for  thirty 
pieces  of  silver? 


A.  A  namesake  of  this 
Judah — Judas  Iscariot. 

Q.  When  Reuben  missed  Jo- 
seph, how  was  he  affected  ? 
A.  He  was  very  sorry  ? 

Q.  What  did  they  do  with  Jo- 
seph's coat? 

A.  Dipped  it  in  a  kid's 
blood  and  carried  it  to  Jacob. 

Q.  What  did  Jacob  say? 

A.  It  is  my  son's  coat :  an 
evil  beast  hath  devoured  him ; 
and  he  mourned  greatly. 

Q.  What  sons  were  born  to 
Judah? 

A.  Er,  Onan,  Shelah,  Pha- 
rez,  and  Zarah.  Gen.  xxxviii. 

Q.  Which  is  the  most  cele- 
brated of  Judah's  sons? 

A.  Pharez,  being  an  an- 
cestor of  Jesus.  Matt.  i.  3, 
16. 

Q.  What  became  of  Joseph? 

A.  He  was  sold  to  Poti- 
phar,  an  officer  of  the  king 
of  Egypt.     Gen.  xxxix. 

Q.  How  did  he  treat  him? 
A.    Kindly,   because    the 
Lord  was  with  him. 

Q.  Wliy  then  did  he  cast  him 
into  prison? 

A.  Because  his  wife  falsely 
accused  him  of  a  crime  she 
could  not  get  him  to  commit. 

Q.  What  happened  to  him 
there  ? 

A.  The  Lord  was  with 
him,  and  the  keeper  of  the 
prison  gave  him  the  charge 
of  all  the  prisoners. 


1 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


23 


Q.  Whose  dreams  did  lie  in- 
terpret? 

A.  Those  of  the  chief  but- 
ler and  chief  baker.   Gen.  xl. 

Q.  Did  Ms  interpretations 
iJi'Ove  true  ? 

A.    They    did:    in   three 


days  the  butler  was  restored 
to  office  and  the  baker  hang- 
ed, as  Joseph  predicted. 

Q.  Did  the  butler  remember 
Joseph  according  to  his  request? 

A.  He  did  not,  being  un- 
grateful. 


LESSON   XIII 


Q.  What  happened  when  Jo- 
seph had  been  in  prison  two 
years  ? 

A.  Pharaoh  dreamed  two 
dreams,  which  none  of  his 
wise  men  could  interpret. 
Gen.  xli. 

Q.  TMiat  did  the  butler  say  to 
the  king  ? 

A.  That  he  remembered 
his  faults  in  neglecting  Jo- 
seph, who  had  interpreted 
his  dream. 

Q.  What  did  Pharaoh  do  ? 

A.  Sent  for  Joseph. 

Q.  ^Vhat  did  Joseph  say? 

A.  God  shall  give  Pharaoh 
an  answer  of  peace. 

Q.  To  what  did  he  say  the 
dreams  referred? 

A.  To  seven  years  of  plen- 
ty and  seven  years  of  famine. 

Q.  Did  his  interpretation 
prove  correct? 

A.  It  did ;  and  Pharaoh 
made  him  ruler  of  Egypt, 
and  gave  him  Asenath, 
daughter  of  the  priest  of  On, 
for  a  wife. 


Q.  How  did  he  provide  for  the 
famine  ? 

A.  By  laying  up  corn  in 
the  seven  years  of  plenty. 

Q.  Did  the  famine  extend  to 
Canaan  ? 

A.  It  did  ;  and  the  sons  of 
Jacob  went  down  to  Egypt 
to  buy  corn.     Gen.  xlii. 

Q.  Did  Benjamin  go? 
A.  No :  Jacob  was  afraid 
mischief  might  befall  him. 

Q.  When  they  came  to  Egypt, 
what  did  they  do  ? 

A.  Bowed  down  before 
Joseph,  with  their  faces  to 
the  earth. 

Q.  Did  he  know  them? 

A.  Yes;  but  they  knew 
not  him. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  remem- 
ber? 

A.  His  dreams.  Gen. 
xxxvii.  5-11. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  they  were  ? 
A.  Spies. 

Q.  What  did  they  reply  ? 
A.  Nay,  my  lord,  but  to 


24 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


buy  food  are  thy  servants 
come. 

Q.  ^\liat  did  lie  do  witli  tliem  ? 

A.  Kept  them  in  prison 
three  days. 

Q.  What  tlicn  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Sent  them  liome  for 
Benjamin,  keeping  Simeon 
in  prison  to  secure  their  re- 
turn. 

Q.  How  were  they  affected  by 
this  treatmeut  ? 

A.  They  said,  We  are  ver- 
ily guilty  concerning  our  bro- 
ther, therefore  is  this  distress 
come  upon  us. 

Q.  What  did  Joseph  have 
done? 

A.  Their  sacks  filled  vrith 
corn,  and  their  money  put 
in  them. 

Q.  When  they  found  the  mo- 
ney, hoAV  did  they  feel? 
A.  Afraid. 

Q.  What  did  Jacob  say  when 
they  told  him  of  these  things? 

A.  All  these  things  are 
against  me. 

Q.  'N^Hiat  did  Reuben  say  to  in- 
duce him  to  send  Benjamin? 

A.  Slay  my  two  sons,  if  I 
bring  him  not  to  thee. 

Q.  Was  that  the  language  of 
reason  or  of  passion? 

A.  Of  passion. 
Q.  What  did  Jacob  say? 
A.    My  son  shall  not  go 
down  with  you. 

Q,  Did  he  at  last  consent? 
A.  When  their  corn  was 


gone,  Judah  induced  him  to] 
send  Benjamin.     Gen.  xliii. 

Q.  What  did  he  send  Joseph?, 
A.    A    present    of    balm, 

honey,  spices,  myrrh,  nuts, 

and  almonds. 

Q.  What  did  they  tell  Joseph's 
steward  ? 

A.  That  they  had  found 
their  money  in  their  sacks, 
and  had  brought  it  and  other     | 
money  for  more  corn.  1 

Q.  What  did  he  say?  I 

A.  Fear  not:  I  had  your 
money ;  and  he  brought  Si- 
meon to  them. 

Q.  When  Joseph  saw  Benja- 
min, how  was  he  affected? 

A.  lie  said,  God  be  gra- 
cious unto  thee,  my  son ;  and 
went  into  his  chamber  and 

wept. 

Q.  Wlien  they  dined  with  him, 
what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Gave  Benjamin  five 
times  as  much  food  as  any 
of  the  others. 

Q.  When  they  left,  what  did 
he  do? 

A.  Had  their  money  put 
into  their  sacks,  and  his  cup      ^ 
into  Benjamin's  sack.     Gen. 
xliv. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  Sent  his  steward  after 
them  to  recover  the  cup. 

Q.  WHiat  did  they  do  when  the 
cup  was  found  ? 

A.  Went  back,  fell  to  the 
ground  before  him,  and  Ju- 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


25 


dah  made  an  affecting  speech 
to  him. 

Q.  What  thea  took  place  ? 
A.   Joseph  made  himself 
known  to  them.     Gen.  xlv. 

Q.  Wlien  they  knew  that  he 
was  Joseph,  how  were  they  af- 
fected? 

A.  They  were  troubled. 


Q.  How  did  he  comfort  them  ? 

A.  By  telling  them  what 
God  had  wrought  by  him, 
and  by  preparing  to  bring 
them  all  to  Egypt. 

Q.  What  did  Jacob  say  whea 
he  heard  of  it? 

A.  It  is  enough:  Joseph 
my  son  is  yet  alive :  I  will 
go  and  see  him  before  I  die. 


LESSON   XIV. 


Q.  Where  did  Jacob  stop  to 
sacrifice  on  his  way  to  Egypt? 

A.  At  Beer-sheba.  Gen. 
xlvi. 

Q.  What  did  God  say  to  him? 

A.  Fear  not  to  go  to  Egypt ; 
for  I  will  there  make  of  thee 
a  great  nation. 

Q.  How  many  of  his  family 
went  with  him? 

A.    Seventy. 

Q.  In  what  part  did  they  dwell? 

A.  In  Goshen. 

Q.  How  did  Juseph  meet  his 
father? 

A.  He  fell  on  his  neck,  and 
wept  a  good  while. 

Q.  What  did  Jacob  say  to  him  ? 

A.  Now  let  me  diis,  since 
I  have  seen  thy  face ;  be- 
cause thou  art  yet  alive. 

Q.  What  business  did  Jacob's 
sons  follow  ? 

A.  Feeding  cattle. 

Q.  Did  they  take  their  cattle 
to  Egypt  ? 
A.  They  did. 


Q.  How  did  the  Egyptians  re- 
gard shepherds  ? 

A.  As  an  abomination. 

Q.  Was  Pharaoh  pleased  with 
their  arrival  ? 

A.  He  was ;  and  Joseph 
introduced  them  to  him. 
Gen.  xlvii. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  Jacob  ? 
A.  How  old  art  thou  ? 

Q.  What  did  Jacob  say? 

A.  A  hundred  and  thirty 
years :  few  and  evil  have  the 
days  of  the  years  of  my  life 
been. 

Q.  '^Tiat  did  he  do  to  Pharaoh  ? 
A.  lie  blessed  him. 

Q,  What  did  Joseph  do  while 
the  famine  continued  ? 

A.  Gave  the  people  corn 
in  exchange  for  their  pro- 
perty,   which    became    the 

king's. 

Q.  Did  the  land  of  the  priesta 
become  Pharaoh's? 

A.  No. 


26 


SCRIPTURE   CATECniSM. 


Q.  How  long  did  Jacob  live 
in  Egypt? 

A.  Seventeen  years. 

Q.  How  old  was  lie  at  his 
deatli  ? 

A.  One  hundred  and  forty- 
seven  years. 

Q.  What  did  he  charge  Jo- 
seph to  do  ? 

A.  To  carry  his  bvdy  to 
Canaan. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  when  Jo- 
seph visited  him  in  his  sickness? 

A.  Blessed  his  two  sons. 
Gen.  xlviii. 

Q.  Which  did  he  say  should  be 
the  greater? 

A.  Ephraim,  though  Ma- 
nasseh  was  the  first-born. 

Q.  What  did  he  give  Joseph  ? 

A.  One  portion  above  his 
brethren,  wliich  he  took  from 
the  Amorite  with  his  sword 
and  bow. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  Jacob  called  his  sons 
together  to  tell  them  what 
should  befall  them  in  the 
last  days.     Gen.  xlix. 

Q.  Which  of  them  received  a 
severe  threatening? 

A.  Simeon  and  Levi,  be- 
cause of  their  cruelty. 

Q.  Which  of  them  received 
the  choicest  blessing? 

A.  Judah,  as  the  sove- 
reign and  lawgiver  of  the 
tribes,  and  the  ancestor  of 
Christ;  and  Joseph,  as  the 
father  of  two  populous  tribes. 


Q.  What  did  he  then  charge 
them? 

A.  To  bury  him  in  the 
cave  of  Machpelah. 

Q.  What  did  Joseph  do  when 
his  father  was  dead? 

A.  Fell  on  his  face,  wept, 
and  kissed  him,  and  caused 
the  physicians  to  embalm 
him.     Gen.  1. 

Q.  How  long  did  they  mom-n 
for  him  ? 

A.  Seventy  days. 

Q.  In  removing  him,  where 
did  they  stop  and  mourn  seven 

days  ? 

A.  At  the  threshing-floor 
of  Atad,  beyond  Jordan. 

Q.  What  was  the  place  after- 
ward called  ? 

A.  Abel-mizraim ;  oi,  the 
mourning  of  the  Egyptians. 

Q.  After  they  had  buried  Ja- 
cob, what  did  Joseph's  brothers 
do? 

A.  Begged  him  to  forgive 
the  evil  they  did  to  him. 

Q.  Did  he  do  so? 

A.  He  did,  generously. 

Q.  How  long  did  Joseph  live  ? 

A.  One  hundred  and  ten 
years,  and  saw  Ephraim's 
children  of  the  third  genera- 
tion. 

Q.  When  he  died,  what  did  he 
do? 

A.  Took  an  oath  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  saying, 
God  will  surely  visit  you, 
and  ye  shall  carry  up  my 
bones  from  hence. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


27 


Q.  What  did  they  do  with  his 
body? 

A.  Embalmed  it,  and  put 
it  in  a  cojffin. 


Q.  Is  this  the  first  coffin  of 
which  we  read? 

A.  Yes. 


LESSON    XV. 


Q.  What  is  the  second  book  in 
the  Bible  called  ? 

A.  Exodus. 

Q.  What  does  Exodus  mean? 

A.  Departure. 

Q.  Why  is  it  so  called? 

A.  Because  it  gives  an 
account  of  the  departure  of 
the  Israelites  from  Egypt. 

Q.  How  many  were  there  in 
Jacob's  family  when  they  went 
to  Egypt? 

A.  Seventy.     Ex.  i. 

Q.  Did  they  multiply  fast  ? 

A.  They  did. 

Q.  What  new  king  arose  ? 

A.  One  who  knevy  not  Jo- 
seph, and  treated  the  Israel- 
ites cruelly. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  to  prevent 
their  increase  ? 

A.  Made  them  work  hard 
in  mortar  and  brick,  and  in 
the  field,  and  cast  all  their 
male  infants  into  the  river 
Nile. 

Q.  Who  was  born  in  those 
days? 

A.  Moses.     Ex.  ii. 

Q.  What  did  his  mother  do 
with  him  ? 

A.  Hid  him  three  months, 


and  then  put  him  in  an  ark 
of  bulrushes,  and  placed  him 
among  the  flags  of  the  river. 

Q.  Who  watched  him  there  ? 

A.  His  sister. 

Q.  Who  found  him? 

A.  Pharaoh's  daughter, 
when  she  went  to  wash  her- 
self at  the  river. 

Q.  What  did  she  do  with  him? 

A.  She  had  compassion  on 
him,  and  sent  his  sister  to  get 
a  Hebrew  nurse  for  him. 

Q.  Whom  did  she  get? 

A.  His  own  mother,  of 
course. 

Q.  Why  did  she  call  him 
Moses? 

A.  Because  she  drew  him 
out  of  the  water,  as  the  word 
Moses  means  drawn  out. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  do  when 
he  was  grown? 

A.  Killed  an  Egyptian 
who  smote  a  Hebrew. 

Q.  When  he  found  that  this 
was  known,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Went  to  the  land  of 
Midian. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  there? 

A.  Defended  the  daughters 


28 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


of  Reuel  from  the  shepherds, 
who  would  not  let  them  wa- 
ter their  flocks. 

Q.  What  then  did  Moses  do  ? 

A.  He  went  to  live  with 
Reuel,  who  was  the  priest  of 
Midian,  and  married  his 
daughter  Zipporah. 

Q.  To  Avhat  place  did  he  lead 
the  flock  of  Jethro  ? 

A.  To  Horeb,  in  the  de- 
sert.    Ex.  iii. 

Q.  Who  appeared  to  him 
there  ? 

A.  The  angel  of  the  Lord, 
in  a  burning  bush. 


Q.  What  did  he  tell  Moses? 
A.  To  pull  off  his  shoes, 
as  the  ground  was  holy. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  tell  him? 

A.  That  he  was  the  God  of 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob  ; 
that  he  had  seen  the  afflictian 
of  the  Israelites,  and  was 
going  to  send  him  to  deliver 
them. 

Q.  Was  Moses  ready  to  go  ? 
A.  lie  was  not. 

Q,  By  what  name  did  God  say 
he  was  to  be  known? 

A.    I  AM  TUAT  I  AM. 


LESSON   XVI. 


Q.  What  did  Moses  say  to  God  ? 
A.  That  the  people  would 
not  believe  him.     Ex.  iv. 

Q.  How  did  God  prove  to  him 
that  they  would  ? 

A.  By  changing  his  rod 
into  a  serpent,  and  the  ser- 
pent into  the  rod  again ;  and 
by  making  his  hand  leprous, 
and  then  making  it  sound 
again. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  him? 

A.  That  if  they  would  not 
believe  these  two  signs,  he 
should  turn  the  water  into 
blood. 

Q.  Wliat  did  Moses  then  say  ? 

A.  That  he  was  not  elo- 
quent. 

Q.  What  did  God  then  tell  him? 


A.  That  his  brother  Aaron, 
who  could  speak  well,  should 
go  with  him. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  then  do? 

A.  Took  leave  of  his  father- 
in-law,  and  went  to  Iloreb  to 
meet  Aaron. 

Q.  What  did  they  then  do  ? 

A.  Went  to  Egypt,  and 
made  known  their  mission 
to  the  elders  of  Israel. 

Q.  Did  the  people  believe 
them? 

A.  They  did. 

Q.  TMiat  did  Moses  and  Aaron 
say  to  Pharaoh  ? 

A.  Thus  saith  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  Let  my  people 
go,  that  they  may  hold  a  feast 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


29 


unto  me  in  the  wilderness. 
Ex.  V. 

Q.  What  did  the  king  reply? 

A.  AVho  is  the  Lord,  that 
I  should  obey  his  voice  to  let 
Israel  go  ? 

Q.  What  did  he  do? 

A.  Instead  of  letting  them 
go,  he  made  them  do  more 
work. 

Q.  VHiRt  did  the  Lord  then  tell 

Moses  to  say  to  the  Israelites? 

A.  That  he  would  bring 
them  out  of  Egypt,  and  con- 
duct them  to  the  promised 
land.     Ex.  vi. 

Q.  Did  the  Israelites  believe 
Moses  ? 

A.  They  hearkened  not  to 
him,  for  anguish  of  spirit, 
and  for  cruel  bondage. 

Q.  How  old  was  Levi  when 
he  died  ? 

A.  One  hundred  and  thirty- 
seven  years. 

Q.  Who  were  his  sons? 

A.  Gershon,  Kohath,  and 
Merari. 

Q.  How  old  was  Kohath  when 
he  died? 

A.  One  hundred  and  thirty- 
three  years. 


Q.  Who  were  his  sons? 
A.  Amram,  Izhar,  Hebron, 
and  Uzziel. 

Q.  How  old  was  Amram  when 
he  died? 

A.  One  hundred  and  thirty- 
seven  years. 

Q.   Wlio  was  his  wife  ? 
A.  Jochebcd. 
Q.  Who  were  his  sons? 
A.  Aaron  and  Moses. 
Q.  Who  was  Aaron's  wife  ? 
A.  Elisheba. 
Q.  Who  were  his  sons? 
A.  Nadab,  Abihu,  Eleazar, 
and  Ithamar. 

Q.  Who  was  Eleazar's  sou? 
A.  Phinehas. 

Q.  How  old  were  Moses  and 
Aaron  when  they  went  to  Pha- 
raoh ? 

A.  Moses  was  eighty  and 
Aaron  eighty-three  years  old. 
Ex.  vii. 

Q.  What  miracle  was  wrought 
before  Pharaoh? 

A.  Aaron's  rod  was 
changed  into  a  serpent,  and 
when  the  rods  of  the  magi- 
cian became  serpents,  Aa- 
ron's swallowed  them  up. 


LESSON   XVII. 


Q.  When  Pharaoh's  heart  was 
hardened,  and  he  would  not  let 
the  people  go,  what  plague  did 
God  send  upon  Egypt? 

A.  He  changed  the  waters 
into  blood.    Ex.  vii. 


Q.  How  long  did  this  plague 
last? 

A.  Seven  days. 

Q.    What    was    the    second 
plague  ? 


30 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


A.  The  land  was  covered 
with  frogs.     Ex.  viii. 

Q.  Did  Pharaoh  then  let  the 
people  go? 

A.  lie  said  he  would  if  the 
frogs  were  removed ;  but 
when  thoj  were  gone,  he 
would  not  let  them  go. 

Q.  Wliat  was  the  third  plague  ? 
A.  The   dust  was   turned 
into  lice. 

Q.  CoiiJd  the  magicians  imi- 
tate this  miracle  ? 

A.  No ;  and  thej  said, 
This  is  the  finger  of  God. 

Q,  What  was  the  fourtli 
plague  ? 

A.  A  grievous  swarm  of 
flics. 

Q.  Were  there  any  in  Goshen  ? 

A.   No. 

Q.  Did  Pharaoh  then  let  the 
people  go? 

A.  He  said  he  would  if 
the  flies  were  removed ;  but 
when  they  were  gone,  he 
would  not  let  them  go. 

Q.  What  was  the  fifth  plague  ? 
A.  The  cattle  were  killed. 
Ex.  ix. 

Q.  What  was  the  sixth  plague  ? 
A.  Boils  and  blains. 

Q.  What  was  the  seventh 
plague  ? 

A.  Hail  and  lightning. 

Q.  What  effect  had  it  on  Pha- 
raoh? 

A.  He  said,  T  have  sinned  ; 
and  he  promised  to  let  the 
people  go  if  the  plague  were 


removed ;   but  he  broke  hia 
promise  again. 

Q.  What  was  the  eighth 
plague? 

A.  Locusts  ate  all  that  the 
hail  had  left. 

Q.  What  was  the  ninth  plague  ? 

A.  Thick  darkness  for 
three  days  ;  but  all  the  child- 
ren of  Israel  had  light  in 
their  dwellings. 

Q.  What  effect  had  these  mira- 
cles on  the  Egyptians? 

A.  They  gave  the  Israel- 
ites all  the  silver  and  gold 
wliich  the  Lord  told  them  to 
ask  of  the  Egyptians,  and 
Moses  was  very  great  in  their 
sight.     Ex.  xi. 

Q.  Wliat  was  the  tenth  plague  ? 

A.  All  the  first-born  of 
the  Egyptians  were  destroy- 
ed.    Ex.  xii, 

Q.  Were  any  of  the  Israelites 
destroyed? 

A.  No:  their  houses  were 
marked  with  the  blood  of  a 
lamb,  and  they  were  passed 
over. 

Q.  What  was  done  with  the 
lambs  that  were  killed  on  that 
occasion? 

A.  They  were  eaten  in 
haste,  with  bitter  herbs  and 
unleavened  bread. 

Q.  Was  this  to  be  observed  .13 
an  annual  feast  in  memory  of  tne 
deliverance  from  Egypt? 

A.  It  was:  hence  it  is  call- 
ed the  passover. 

Q.  Did  they  leave  Egypt  that 
night  ? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


31 


A.  Yes ;  they  were  thrust 
out. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  tliem? 

A.  They  journeyed  from 
Rameses  to  Succoth,  about 
six  hundred  thousand  men, 
beside  children  and  a  mixed 
multitude. 


Q.  Ho-w  long  was  this  after 
Abraham  went  to  Egypt? 

A.     Four     hundred    and 
thirty  years. 

Q.  How  long  was  it  after  Ja- 
cob went  to  Egypt? 

A.  Two  hundred  and  fif- 
teen years. 


LESSON   XYIII. 


Q.  "^Tiat  was  to  be  done  to 
commemorate  the  slaying  of  the 
lirst-boru  of  the  Egyptians? 

A.  The  Israelites  were 
commanded  to  sanctify  to 
God  all  the  first-born  of  man 
and  beast.     Ex.  xiii. 

Q.  Which  way  did  God  lead 
the  Israelites  ? 

A.  Not  through  the  land 
of  the  Philistines,  though 
that  was  the  nearest  way 
to  Canaan,  but  by  the  way 
of  the  Red  Sea. 

Q.  Why  so  ? 

A.  Lest  the  people  should 
want  to  return  to  Egypt 
when  they  saw  war. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  take  with 
him? 

A.  The  bones  of  Joseph, 
as  he  had  commanded. 

Q.  Whither  did  they  go  from 
Succoth? 

A.  To  Etham,  in  the  edge 
of  the  wilderness. 

Q.  How  were  they  guided  ? 
A.  By  a  pillar  of  cloud  by 


day,  and  a  pillar  of  fire  by 
night. 

Q.  What  did  Pharaoh  do  ? 
A.    Pursued    after    them 
with  a  great  army.    Ex.  xiv. 

Q.  When  the  Israelites  saw 
them,  how  were  they  affected? 

A.  They  were  sore  afraid, 
and  cried  out  unto  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  do? 

A.  Placed  the  pillar  of 
cloud  between  the  Israelites 
and  the  Egyptians,  so  that 
it  was  dark  to  the  Egyptians 
and  light  to  the  Israelites. 

Q.  Wl] at  then  did  he  do? 

A.  Divided  the  Red  Sea, 
so  that  the  Israelites  passed 
over  on  dry  ground,  which 
the  Egyptians  essaying  to  do, 
were  drowned.  Heb.  xi. 
29. 

Q.  How  did  Moses  and  the 
people  celebrate  their  deliver- 
ance? 

A.  In  a  song  of  praise. 
Ex.  XV. 


32 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  is  it  called  in  Rev. 
XV.  3? 

A.  The  soDg  of  Moses, 
the  servant  of  God. 

Q.  Wliat  dill  ^Miriam  and  tlie 
•Vfomeu  do? 

A.  United  in  the  song  with 
timbrels  and  dances. 

Q.  Who  was  Miriam? 

A.  The  prophetess,  the  sis- 
ter of  Aaron. 

Q.  Whither  did  the  people 
then  go  ? 

A.  Into  the  wilderness  of 
Shur. 

Q.  What  happened  to  them  ? 

A.  They  found  no  water 
for  three  days ;  and  when 
they  found  some,  it  was  bit- 
ter. 

Q.  How  did  Moses  sweeten  the 
waters  of  Marah? 

A.  The  Lord  showed  him 
a  tree,  which  he  cast  into 
them. 

Q.  What  did  they  find  at  Elim? 

A.  Twelve  wells  and  sev- 
enty palm  trees. 

Q.  Wliere  were  they  on  the 
fifteenth  day  of  the  second  month 
after  the  exodus  ? 

A.  In  the  wilderness  of 
Sin,  between  Elim  and  Sinai. 
Ex.  xvi. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  there  ? 

A.  Murmured  against  Mo- 
Bes  and  Aaron,  because  they 
wanted  food. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  do? 

A.  Sent  them  quails  and 
manna. 


Q.  'WTiat  was  manna? 

A.  It  was  like  coriander 
seed,  white  ;  and  the  taste  of 
it  was  like  wafers  made  with 
honey. 

Q.  Where  and  when  did  they 
gather  it  ? 

A.  On  the  ground  every 
morning,  except  on  the  Salj- 
bath. 

Q,  What  did  they  do  for  food 
on  the  Sabbath? 

A.  Gathered  twice  as 
much  as  usual  on  the  sixth 
day. 

Q.  What  was  done  with  a  pot 
of  manna? 

A.  Laid  up  in  the  Taber- 
nacle for  a  memorial. 

Q.  How  long  did  they  eat 
manna  ? 

A.  Forty  years. 

Q.  What  made  them  murmur 
at  Kephidim? 

A.  The  want  of  water. 
Ex,  xvii. 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  Moses 
to  do? 

A.  Strike  the  rock  in  IIo- 
reb,  and  water  should  flow 
out  of  it. 

Q.  What  was  that  place  called? 

A.  Massah,  or  Temptation  j 
and  Meribah,  or  Strife. 

Q.  Who  fought  with  Israel  in 
Rephidim  ? 

A.  Amalek. 

Q.  How  was  Amalek  con- 
quered? 

A.  While  Moses  held  up 
his  hand,  Israel  prevailed; 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


33 


when  he  let  it  down,  Ama- 
lek  prevailed ;  then  Aaron 
and  Hur  held  up  his  hands 
until  Amalek  was  discom- 
fited. 

Q.  Who  commanded  the  army 
of  Israel? 

A.  Joshua,  who  is  here 
first  mentioned. 

Q.  What  was  Moses  ordered 
to  do? 

A.  Write  a  memorial  of 
the  battle. 

Q.  "\^niat  did  he  call  the  altar 
which  he  built? 

A.  Jehovah -nissi,  or,  the 
Lord  my  banner. 

Q.  What  did  God  threaten? 
A.  To  utterly  destroy  Am- 
alek. 

Q.  ^^^lo  met  Moses  ? 

A.  Jetliro,   his  father-in- 


law,  with  the  wife  and  child- 
ren of  Moses.     Ex.  xviii. 

Q.  What  were  the  names  of 
the  sons  of  Moses? 

A.  Gershom,  which  means 
A  stranger  there,  because  he 
had  been  an  alien  in  a  strange 
land ;  and  Eliezer,  which 
means  My  God  is  a  help,  be- 
cause God  had  been  his  help, 
and  delivered  him  from  Pha- 
raoh. 

Q.  What  did  Jethro  do  ? 

A.  Kejoiced,  and  offered 
sacrifices  because  God  had 
blessed  them. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Induced  Moses  to  ap- 
point able  and  good  men  to 
assist  him  in  governing  the 
people. 

Q.  Did  he  stay  with  Moses? 

A.  No :  he  went  home. 


LESSON   XIX. 


Q.  Where  and  when  did  Israel 
next  encamp  ? 

A.  Before  Mount  Sinai,  in 
the  third  month  after  they 
came  out  of  Egypt.    Ex.  xix. 

Q.  ^^Tiat  did  God  tell  them 
they  should  be  if  they  obeyed 
him? 

A.  A  peculiar  treasure. 

Q.  What  happened  on  the 
third  day  ? 

A.  God  spoke  to  them 
from  the  burning,  smoking 
mountain. 

Vol.  I.— 2 


Q.  What  did  he  speak? 
A.     The    ten    command- 
ments.    Ex.  XX. 

Q.  What  is  the  first  command- 
ment? 

A.  Thou  shalt  have  no 
other  gods  before  me. 

Q.  What  is  the  second? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  make 
unto  thee  any  graven  image, 
or  any  likeness  of  any  thing 
that  is  in  heaven  above,  or 
that  is  in  the  earth  beneath, 


84 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM, 


or  that  is  in  the  water  under 
the  earth :  thou  shalt  not  bow 
down  thyself  to  them,  nor 
serve  them ;  for  I  the  Lord 
thy  God  am  a  jealous  God, 
visiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children 
unto  the  third  and  fourth 
generation  of  them  that  hate 
me ;  and  showing  mercy 
unto  thousands  of  them  that 
love  me  and  keep  my  com- 
mandments. 

Q.  What  is  the  third  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the 
name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in 
vain  ;  for  the  Lord  will  not 
hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh 
his  name  in  vain. 

Q.  What  id  the  fourth? 

A.  Komemher  the  Sab- 
bath-day  to  keep  it  holy.  Sis 
days  shalt  thou  la])or  and  do 
all  thy  work ;  but  the  sev- 
enth day  is  the  Sabbath  of 
the  Lord  thy  God  :  in  it  thou 
shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou, 
nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter, 
nor  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy 
maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle, 
nor  thy  stranger  that  is  with- 
in thy  gates  ;  for  in  six  days 
the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in 
them  is,  and  rested  the  sev- 
enth day ;  wherefore  the 
Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath- 
day,  and  hallowed  it. 

Q.  What  is  the  fifth? 

A.  Honor  thy  father  and 
thy  mother ;  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  upon  the  land 


which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee. 

Q.  What  is  the  sixth? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

Q.  What  is  the  seventh? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  commit 
adultery. 

Q.  What  is  the  eighth? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

Q.  What  is  the  ninth  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  bear 
false  witness  against  thy 
neighbor. 

Q.  What  is  the  tenth? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  covet 
thy  neighbor's  house,  thou 
shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's 
wife,  nor  his  man-servant, 
nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his 
ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  any  thing 
that  is  thy  neighbor's. 

Q.  When  the  people  saw  and 
heard  these  things,  what  did  they 
do? 

A.  Stood  afar  off,  and  said 
to  Moses,  Speak  thou  with  us, 
and  we  will  hear;  but  let  not 
God  speak  with  us,  lest  we 
die. 

Q.  What  did  IMoses  do? 

A.  Drew  near  to  the  thick 
darkness,  where  God  w^as. 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  him  to 
do? 

A.  To  make  an  altar  with- 
out tools,  and  offer  sacrifices 
on  it. 

Q.  V/hat  did  he  promise  ? 

A.  In  all  places  where  I 
record  my  name,  I  will  come 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


35 


unto  thee,  and  I  will  bless 
thee. 

Q.  What  promise  in  the  New 
Testament  is  like  this  ? 


A.  "Where  two  or  three  are 
gathered     together    in     my 
name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst 
i  of  them.     Matt,  xviii.  20. 


LESSON   XX, 


Q.  What  other  laws  beside  the 
moral  law  did  God  give  Israel? 

A.  The  political  and  cere- 
monial.    Ex.  xxi.-xxiv. 

Q.  What  are  they  called? 
A.  Judgments.  Ex.  xxi.  1. 
Q.  "What  was  their  design  ? 
A.  To  make  the  Israelites 
holy.     Ex.  xxii.  31. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  seventh 
year,  as  well  as  of  the  seventh 
day? 

A.  It  was  to  be  a  time  of 
rest.     Ex.  xxiii. 

Q.  How  many  great  annual 
feasts  were  they  to  keep  ? 

A.  Three ;  at  which  all  the 
males  were  to  appear  before 
God. 

Q.  "V^Hiat  was  the  first? 

A.  Passover,  or  the  feast 
of  unleavened  bread,  in  the 
month  Abib. 

Q.  What  was  the  second? 

A.  Pentecost,  or  harvest. 

Q.  Wliat  was  the  third  ? 

A.  The  feast  of  Taberna- 
cles, or  incratherinf'. 

Q.  What  did  he  promise  them? 

A.  That  his  angel  should 
^0  before  them  and  conduct 
them  to  Canaan. 


Q.  How  long  was  Moses  in  the 
mount  with  God? 

A.  Forty  days.    Ex.  xxiv. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  these 
laws  ? 

A.  Wrote  them  in  a  book, 

and  sprinkled  it  with  blood, 

and  said,  Behold  the  blood 

I  of  the  covenant  which   the 

Lord  hath  made  with  you. 

Q.  Did  the  people  promise 
obedience? 

A.  They  did. 

Q.  How  did  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  appear  to  them? 

A.  Like  devouring  fire  on 
the  top  of  the  mount. 

Q.  "\Miat  pattern  did  the  Lord 
show  Moses? 

A.  The  model  of  the  tab- 
ernacle and  its  instruments. 
Ex.  XXV. 

Q.  "\^Tiat  was  the  tabernacle? 

A.  A  tent,  divided  into 
two  apartments. 

Q.  What  was  the  ark? 

A.  A  box  or  chest,  with 
a  golden  cover,  called  the 
mercy-seat,  and  two  golden 
cherubim  overspreading  it. 

Q.  Why  was  it  called  the  ark 
of  the  testimony? 

A.   Because  it   contained 


36 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


the  testimony,  or  tables  of 
the  law. 

Q.  What  was  the  table  for  ? 

A.  The  show-bread. 

Q.  "What  was  the  candlestick? 

A.  A  golden  chandelier, 
•with  seven  lamps. 

Q.  How  was  the  tabernacle 
covered? 

A.  With  curtains  and 
boards.     Ex.  xxvi. 

Q.  What  was  the  vail? 

A.  A  fine  curtain  which 
divided  the  holy  from  the 
most  holy  place. 

Q.  Where  was  the  ark  put  ? 

A.  In  the  most  holy  place. 

Q.  Where  were  the  table  and 
candlestick  put? 

A.  In  the  holy  place. 

Q.  What  else  was  placed 
there  ? 

A.    The    altar   of  burnt- 


offering,    with    its    vessels. 
Ex.  xxvii. 

Q.  What  was  burnt  in  the  lamp? 

A.  Pure  olive  oil. 

Q.  What  were  made  for  Aa- 
ron and  his  sons? 

A.  Holy  garments,  for  glory 
and  for  beauty.     Ex.  xxviii.       J 

Q.  How  were  the  priests  con-  •    1 
secrated? 

A.  By  washing,  anointing, 
and  sacrifice.     Ex.  xxix. 

Q.  How  was  the  altar  conse- 
crated? 

A.  By  anointing  it. 

Q.  What  was  the  daily  sacri- 
fice? 

A.  A  lamb  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  another  in  the  even- 
ing, with  flour,  oil,  and  wine. 

Q.  What  did  God  promise  ? 

A.  That  he  would  dwell 
with  Israel,  and  sanctify  the 
tabernacle  with  his  glory. 


LESSON  XXI. 


Q.  What  other  altar  was  made  ? 

A.  The  altar  of  incense. 
Ex.  XXX. 

Q.  Where  was  it  put? 

A.  Before  the  vail  in  the 
holy  place. 

Q.  When  was  it  used? 

A.  Aaron  burnt  incense 
on  it  every  morning  and 
evening,  and  made  an  atone- 
ment on  it  once  a  year. 

Q.  What  was  the  rangom- 
money? 


A.  Half  a  shekel  for  every 
person  twenty  years  old  and 
above. 

Q.  What  was  the  laver  ? 

A.  A  brazen  vessel  to  hold 
water,  with  which  the  priests 
were  to  wash  before  service. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  holy 
oil  and  incense  ? 

A.  Moses  was  told  how  to 
make  them  and  use  them, 
and  no  one  was  allowed  to 
make  any  like  them. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


87 


Q.  Who  were  called  aud  quali- 
fied to  make  the  tabei'nacle  and 
its  fui-niture  ? 

A.  Bezalcel  and  Aholiab. 
Ex.  xxxi. 

Q.  What  did  God  give  Moses 
on  Mouut  Sinai? 

A.  Two  tables  of  testi- 
mony, tables  of  stone,  writ- 
ten with  the  finger  of  God. 

Q.  What  did  the  Israelites  do 
while  Moses  was  in  the  mount? 

A.  Got  Aaron  to  make 
them  a  golden  calf,  and  wor- 
shipped it.     Ex.  xxxii. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  do  when 
he  saw  their  idolatry  ? 

A.  In  his  auger  he  cast 
down  the  tables  of  the  law, 
and  broke  them. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  do? 

A.  lie  burnt  the  calf,  and 
ground  it  to  powder,  strewed 
it  upon  the  water,  and  made 
the  children  of  Israel  drink 
of  it. 

Q,  What  next  took  place  ? 

A.  The  Levites  slew  three 
thousand  men,  and  the  Lord 
plagued  the  people. 

Q.  What  else  did  the  Lord  do  ? 

A.  Threatened  to  abandon 
Israel.     Ex.  xxxiii. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  say  ? 

A.  If  thy  presence  go  not 
with  me,  carry  us  not  up 
hence. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  ask? 

A.  I  beseech  thee,  show 
me  thy  glory. 

Q.  What  did  God  do? 


A.  Put  him  in  a  cleft  of 
the  rock,  and  showed  him  a 
part  of  his  glory. 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  him  to 
do? 

A.  Make  two  other  tables 
of  stone,  and  meet  him  again 
on  Sinai.     Ex.  xxxiv. 

Q.  What  then  took  place? 

A.  The  Lord  descended  in 
the  cloud  and  proclaimed  his 
name. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  do  ? 

A.  Prayed  God  to  pardon 
the  people,  and  take  them  for 
his  inheritance. 

Q.  Did  God  grant  his  re- 
quest? 

A.  He  did ;  and  told  Mo- 
ses to  write  the  ten  com- 
mandments on  the  two  tables 
of  stone. 

Q.  How  long  did  Moses  stay 
in  the  mount? 

A.  Forty  days. 

Q.  vrhen  he  came  down  from 
the  mountain,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Put  a  vail  over  his  face, 
because  it  was  so  bright  that 
the  children  of  Israel  could 
not  look  on  it. 

Q.  How  were  the  materials  for 
the  tabernacle  supplied? 

A.  The  people  furnished 
them  freely.  Ex.  xxxv.- 
xxxix. 

Q.  'What  happened  when  the 
tabernacle  was  dedicated? 

A.  The  cloud  of  the  Lord 
covered  it,  and  his  glory 
filled  it. 


38 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


LESSON    XXII. 


Q.  WTiat  is  the  third  book  in 
the  Bible  called? 

A.  Leviticus. 

Q.  Why  is  it  so  called? 

A.  Because  it  contains 
laws  concerning  the  Levites. 

Q.  What  animals  were  to  be 
ofl'ered  in  sacrihce  ? 

A.  Beeves,  sheep,  goats, 
turtle-doves,  and  pigeons. 
Lev.  i. 

Q.  'WHiat  kinds  of  offerings 
were  there  ? 

A.  Burnt-offerings,  meat- 
offerings, peace-offerings,  sin- 
offerings,  trespass-offerings, 
votive,  consecration,  and  pu- 
rification-offerino'S.     Lev.  i.- 


Q.  ^\Tiat  was  the  meat-offer- 
ing? 

A.  Flour,  oil,  and  frank- 
incense, mixed  without  leav- 
en, baked,  and  then  burned. 
Lev.  vi. 

Q.  In  what  offerings  was 
leaven  used? 

A.  In  the  bread,  with  the 
sacrifice  of  thanksgiving  of 
the  priest's  peace-offerings. 
Lev.  vii. 

Q.  At  the  first  sacrifices  of  the 
priests  after  their  consecration, 
what  took  place  ? 

A.  The  glory  of  the  Lord 
appeared,  and  a  fire  from  the 
Lord  consumed  the  oflering. 
Lev.  viii.,  ix. 

Q.  What  did  the  people  do 
when  they  saw  it  ? 


A.  They  shouted,  and  fell 
on  their  faces. 

Q.  What  did  Nadab  and  Aln- 
hu  do  ? 

A.  Offered  strange  fire  be- 
fore the  Lord.     Lev.  x. 

Q.  What  happened  to  them? 

A.  They  were  devoured 
by  fire  from  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  did  their  father  do? 

A.  Aaron  held  his  peace. 

Q.  But  was  he  not  grieved  by 
the  event? 

A.  Yes  ;  and  his  grief  was 
so  great  that  it  caused  him  to 
neglect  the  sin-offering,  for 
which  he  was  excused   by 

Moses. 

Q.  What  is  meant  by  the  dis- 
tinction between  clean  and  un- 
clean animals? 

A.  The  clean  might  be 
eaten,  the  unclean  might  not 
be  eaten.     Lev.  xi. 

Q.  Wliat  beasts  were  clean? 

A.  Such  as  parted  the 
hoof  and  chewed  the  cud. 

Q.  What  water  animals  were 
clean? 

A.  Such  as  had  fins  and 
scales. 

Q.  Were  any  fowls  unclean? 

A.  Yes ;  eagles,  and  many  - 
others. 

Q.  What  insects  might  bo 
eaten? 

A.  Locusts  of  all  kinds, 
and  grasshoppers,  but  no 
others. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


39 


LESSON    XXIII. 


Q.  Wliat  AYas  done  on  tlic  feast 
of  expiation? 

A.  Two  goats  were  taken 
for  a  sin-ofFering,  and  a  ram 
for  a  burnt-offering  for  the 
people,  and  a  bullock  for  the 
priests.     Lev.  xvi. 

Q.  What  was  done  with  tliem  ? 

A.  The  bullock  and  ram 
were  offered,  and  one  of  the 
goats  was  chosen  by  lot  and 
slain,  and  the  other,  called 
the  scape-goat,  was  set  free, 
after  Aaron  had  put  his 
hands  upon  him  and  con- 
fessed the  sins  of  the  people. 

Q.  What  was  done  with  the 
blood  of  the  animals  ? 

A.  It  was  sprinkled  upon 
the  mercy-seat  in  the  most 
holy  place,  into  which  the 
high-priest  entered  only  on 
the  tenth  day  of  the  seventh 
month,  the  day  of  atonement. 

Q.  Vfhat  did  these  ceremonies 
teach? 

A.  The  taking  away  of  our 
sins  by  Christ. 

Q.  Were  the  Israelites  allow- 
ed to  eat  blood,  and  animals  that 
died  of  themselves? 

A.  They  were  not.  Lev. 
xvii. 

Q.  When  they  reaped  their 
harvest,  what  were  they  to  do  ? 

A.  Leave  some  in  the  field 
for  the  poor.     Lev.  xxiii. 

Q.  HoAV  was  the  seventh 
mouth  distinguished? 


A.  On  the  first  day  waKS  a 
memorial  of  blowing  of  trum- 
pets, the  tenth  was  the  day 
of  atonement,  and  from  the 
fifteenth  to  the  twenty-second 
was  the  feast  of  tabernacles. 
Lev.  xxiii. 

Q.  Why  was  the  last  so  called? 

A.  Because  they  dwelt  in 
booths,  in  memory  of  their 
dwelling  in  booths  when  they 
were  brought  out  of  Egypt. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  son  of 
Shelomith? 

A.  He  was  guilty  of  blas- 
phemy, and  was  stoned  to 
death.     Lev.  xxiv. 

Q.  Wliat  was  the  sabbatical 
year? 

A.  The  seventh  year,  when 
the  ground  remained  un- 
tilled.     Lev.  xxv. 

Q.  What  was  the  jubilee  ? 

A.  The  fiftieth  year,  ush- 
ered in  by  the  blowing  of 
trumpets  on  the  day  of  atone- 
ment. 

Q.  What  took  place  at  the 
jubilee  ? 

A.  Inheritances  were  re- 
stored and  servants  released. 

Q.  What  did  God  promise 
Israel ? 

A.  His  blessing,  if  they 
were  obedient.     Lev.  xxvi. 

Q.  What  did  he  threaten? 

A.  His  curse,  if  they  were 
disobedient. 


40 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM, 


Q.  "What  is  said  of  vows  and 
tithes  ? 

A.  Vows  must  be  redeem- 
ed, and  tithes  paid.  Lev. 
xxvii. 

Q.  "Wliat  were  tithes? 
A.  The  tenth  part  of  the 
produce  of  the  land. 

Q.  Wliat  was  the  design  of 
these  Levitical  laws? 

A.  To  distinguish  the  Is- 


raelites from  the  heathen,  to 
teach  them  the  nature  and 
necessity  of  holiness,  and  to 
serve  as  a  shadov?-  of  gcx)d 
things  to  come. 

Q.  "\Miat  is  the  sum  of  those 
good  things? 

A.  Salvation  by  Christ,  as 
we  learn  in  the  Epistle  to  the 
Hebrews,  which  is  sometimes 
called  the  Leviticus  of  the 
New  Testament. 


LESSON   XXIY. 


Q.  What  is  the  fourth  book  of 
the  Bible  called? 

■    A.  Numbers. 

Q.  Why  is  it  so  called? 

A.  Because  it  begins  with 
the  numbering  of  the  Israel- 
ites.    Num.  i. 

Q.  When  were  they  num- 
bered? 

A.  On  the  first  day  of  the 
second  month,  in  the  second 
year  after  they  came  out  of 
Egypt,  when  they  were  in 
the  wilderness  of  Sinai. 

Q.  How  many  did  they  num- 
ber ? 

A.  Six  hundred  and  three 
thousand,  five  hundred  and 
fifty  men  able  to  go  to  war, 
not  counting  the  tribe  of 
Levi,  which  served  the  tab- 
ernacle. 

Q.  How  were  they  arranged  ? 

A.  In  four  divisions,  three 
tribes  in  each :  Ephraim  and 


Manasseh  being  counted  for 
two  tribes,  instead  of  one 
tribe  of  Joseph. 

Q.  How  many  Levites  were 
there  ? 

A.  Twenty -two  thousand 
males  a  month  old  and  up- 
ward, eight  .  thousand  five 
hundred  and  eighty  being 
between  thirty  and  fifty 
years  of  age,  able  to  do  ser- 
vice in  the  tabernacle.  Lev. 
iii.,  iv. 

Q.  "UTiat  was  done  with  lep- 
ers and  other  unclean  per- 
sons? 

A.  They  were  removed  out 
of  the  camp.     Num.  v. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Nazarites  ? 

A.  Persons  who  made  vows 
of  separation,  during  which 
they  partook  of  nothing  that 
came  from  the  vine,  and  did 
not  shave  themselves.  Num. 
vi. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


41 


Q.  What  was  the  priestly  bless- 
ing? 

A.  The  Lord  bless  thee, 
and  keep  thee :  the  Lord 
make  his  face  to  shine  upon 
thee,  and  be  gracious  unto 
thee:  the  Lord  lift  up  his 
countenance  upon  thee,  and 
give  thee  peace. 

Q.  What  was  done  at  the  dedi- 
cation of  the  tabernacle  and 
altar  ? 

A.  The  princes  of  the 
tribes  made  liberal  offerings. 
Num.  vii. 

Q.  How  were  the  Levites  con- 
secrated? 

A.  Water  was  sprinkled 
upon  them,  sacrifices  were 
offered,  and  the  people  laid 
their  hands  upon  them.  Lev. 
viii. 

Q.  In  whose  stead  were  the 
Levites  consecrated? 

A.  Instead  of  the  fi.rst- 
born. 

Q.  What  did  the  Israelites  do 
on  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  first 
month? 

A.  They  kept  the  passo- 
ver. 


Num.  ix. 


Q.  When  a  person  was  un- 
clean or  at  a  distance  on  that 
day,  what  was  he  to  do? 

A.  Keep  it  on  the  four- 
teenth day  of  the  second 
month. 

Q.  WTien  did  the  Israelites 
journey? 

A.  When  the  cloud  of  the 
Lord  moved. 


Q.  When  did  they  rest? 
A.  When  the  cloud  rested 
on  the  tabernacle. 

Q.  WTiat  did  Moses  make  ? 

A.  Two  silver  trumpets. 
Num.  X. 

Q.  For  what  purpose? 

A.  To  call  the  assembly ; 
to  give  the  signal  for  jour- 
neying or  war ;  and  to  blow 
on  solemn  days,  and  over  the 
sacrifices. 

Q.  ^^^lat  did  Moses  say  to  Ho- 
bab,  his  brother-in-law? 

A.  We  are  journeying  unto 
the  place  of  which  the  Lord 
said,  I  will  give  it  you  :  come 
thou  with  us,  and  we  will  do 
thee  good  ;  for  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  good  concerning  Is- 
rael. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  Hobab 
would  be  to  them? 

A.  Instead  of  eyes,  Hobab 
being  acquainted  with  the 
desert. 

Q.  Did  he  go  with  them? 

A.  No. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  say  when 
the  ark  went  forward? 

A.  Rise  up,  Lord,  and  let 
thine  enemies  be  scattered ; 
and  let  them  that  hate  thee 
flee  before  thee. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  when  it 
rested? 

A.  Return,  0  Lord,  unto 
the  many  thousands  of  Is- 
rael. 


42 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


LESSON   XXV. 


Q.  What  happened  when  the 
people  compUiiued? 

A.  The  fire  of  the  Lord 
burnt  them.     Num.  xi. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  do  ? 
A.    Prayed,   aud   the   fire 
was  quenched. 

Q.  Where  did  this  take  place  ? 
A.     At    Taberah,    -which 
means  burning. 

.  Q.  What  next  took  place  ? 
A.  They  lusted  for  flesh, 
and    the    Lord    gave    them 
quails. 

Q.  What  happened  while  they 
were  eating  them? 

A.  They  were  smitten  with 
a  plague. 

Q.  What  was  the  place  called 
where  they  were  buried? 

A.  Kibroth  -  hattaavah, 
which  means  the  graves  of 
lust. 

Q,  When  Eldad  and  Medad 
prophesied,  what  did  Joshua 
Bay? 

A.  My  lord  Moses,  forbid 
them. 

Q.  Wliat  did  Moses  say  ? 

A.  Enviest  thou  for  my 
sake  ?  Would  God  that  all  the 
Lord's  people  were  prophets. 

Q.  What  did  Miriam  and  Aaron 
do  at  Hazeroth? 

A.  Spoke  against  IMoses 
because  of  his  wife.     Num. 


Q.  ^^Tiat  did  the  Lord  do? 

A.  Reproved  them  sharply, 
and  smote  Miriam  with  lep- 
rosy. 

Q.  Did  she  continue  leprous? 

A.  No:  the  Lord  healed 
her  at  the  prayer  of  Moses. 

Q.  Where  did  they  next  en- 
camp? 

A.  At  Kadesh,  in  the  wil- 
derness of  Paran.  Num.  xiii. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  do? 

A.  Sent  twelve  men  to  spy 
out  the  land  of  Canaan. 

Q.  What  was  the  result? 

A.  After  forty  days  they 
returned  with  the  fruits  of 
the  land. 

Q.  What  did  they  say  about  it? 

A.  That  it  was  a  fine 
country  ;  but  all  of  them,  ex- 
cept Caleb  and  Joshua,  said 
they  were  not  able  to  con- 
quer the  inhabitants. 

Q.  What  did  the  people  do  ? 

A.  Murmured  against 
Moses  and  Aaron,  and  said, 
Let  us  make  a  captain,  and 
let  us  return  into  Egypt. 
Num.  xiv. 

Q.  When  Caleb  and  Joshua 
tried  to  quell  them,  what  did  they 
say? 

A.  Stone  them  with  stones. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  threaten  ? 

A.  That  they  should  wan- 
der forty  years,  and  die  in  the 
wilderness. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


43 


Q.  Were  any  excepted  from 
this  punisliment? 

A.  Yes:  Caleb audJoshua. 

Q.  Wliat  hecame  of  the  spies 
who  brought  up  the  evil  report? 

A.  They  died  by  the  plague. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  The  people  ^Yent  up  to 
possess  the  land,  but  the 
Amalekites  and  Canaanites 
smote  them,  because  the  Lord 
would  not  go  with  them. 

Q.  What  was  done  with  a  man 
who  broke  the  Sabbath? 

A.  lie  was  stoned  to  death. 
Num.  XV. 

Q.  \Miat  were  the  Israelites 
ordered  to  wear? 

A.  Fringes  on  their  gar- 
ments. 

Q.  Wliat  next  took  place  ? 

A.  Korah,  Dathan,  Abi- 
ram,  On,  and  two  hundred 
and  fifty  princes  rebelled 
against  Moses  and  Aaron. 
Num.  xvi. 

Q.  What  happened  to  them? 

A.  Korah  and  his  com- 
pany were  swallowed  up  in 


the  earth,  and  the  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  princes  were 
consumed  by  tire. 

Q.  What  did  the  congregation 
say? 

A.  Ye  have  killed  the  peo- 
ple of  the  Lord. 

Q.  How  were  the  murmurers 
punished? 

A.  Fourteen  thousand  and 
seven  hundred  of  them  died 
by  a  plague. 

Q.  How  was  the  plague 
stayed? 

A.  Aaron  took  a  censer  of 
incense  and  stood  between 
the  dead  and  the  living, 
making  an  atonement  for  the 
people. 

Q.  What  miracle  was  wrought 
to  show  whom  God  had  chosen  for 
the  ministry  of  the  tabernacle  ? 

A.  The  rod  of  Aaron,  for 
the  house  of  Levi,  budded 
and  bloomed,  and  brought 
forth  almonds.     Num.  xvii. 

Q.  What  was  done  with  Aa- 
ron's rod? 

A.  It  was  laid  up  as  a  token 
in  the  ark. 


LESSON    XXVI. 


Q.  How  were  the  priests  and 
Levites  supported  ? 

A.  By  tithes  and  offerings. 
Num.  xviii. 

Q.  What  was  the  water  of  sep- 
aration ? 

A.  Water    in    which    the 


ashes  of  a  red  heifer  were 
mingled.     Num.  xix. 

Q.  To  what  purpose  was  it 
applied? 

A.  It  was  sprinkled  on  un- 
clean persons  for  their  puri- 
fication. 


44 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  happened  at  Kadcsh, 
ill  the  desert  of  Ziu? 

A.  The  people  murmured 
for  water.     Num.  xx. 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  Moses 
aud  Aaron  to  do  ? 

A.  Speak  to  the  rook,  and 
it  should  give  forth  water. 

Q.  Did  they  do  so? 

A.  No:  they  said,  Hear 
now,  ye  rebels ;  must  we 
fetch  you  water  out  of  this 
rock?  and  Moses  smote  the 
rock  twice. 

Q.  Did  this  please  the  liord? 

A.  No  :  he  said  Moses  and 
Aaron  should  not  enter  Ca- 
naan because  they  had  done 

BO. 

Q.  Did  the  water  flow  out  of 
the  rock  ? 

A.  It  did,  abundantly. 

Q.  Wliat  was  it  called? 
A.  The  water  of  Meribah, 
which  means  strife. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  do  to  the 
king  of  Edom? 

A.  Sent  messengers  to  him 
asking  leave  to  go  through 
his  land. 

Q.  Did  he  grant  it? 

A.  He  did  not. 

Q.  AMiich  way  did  Israel  go? 

A.  From  Kadesh  to  Mount 
Hor. 

Q.  What  happened  there  ? 

A.  Aaron  died,  and  they 
mourned  for  him  thirty  dayt*. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  him  as 
high-priest? 


A.  Eleazar,  his  son. 

Q.  Who  took  some  of  the 
Israelites  prisoners  ? 

A.  Arad,  the  Canaanite. 
Num.  xxi. 

Q.  What  did  the  Israelites  do  ? 

A.  Vowed  to  God  that  if 
he  would  deliver  those  Ca- 
naanites  into  their  hands, 
they  would  destroy  their 
cities. 

Q.  Did  he  do  so? 

A.  He  did;  and  they  de- 
stroyed them  accordingly, 
and  called  the  pl*,ce  Hormah, 
which  means  destruction. 

Q.  When  they  murmured  after 
leaving  Kadesh,  what  happened? 

A.  The  Lord  sent  fiery  ser- 
pents among  them,  which 
killed  many  of  them. 

Q,  When  the  people  acknow- 
ledged their  sin,  what  did  Moses 
do? 

A.  Prayed  to  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  tell  him 
to  do  ? 

A.  Make  a  serpent  of 
brass,  and  put  it  on  a  pole, 
that  any  one  that  was  bitten 
might  look  upon  it,  and  be 
cured. 

Q.   Did  he  do  so? 

A.  He  did ;  and  the  people 
were  cured. 

Q.  What  does  Christ  say? 

A.  As  Moses  lifted  up  the 
serpent  in  the  wilderness, 
even  so  must  the  Son  of  man 
be  lifted  up  ;  that  whosoever 
believeth  in  him  should  not 


\ 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


45 


perish,  but  have  eternal  life. 
J^hn  iii.  14,  15. 

^.  ^\^^at  became  of  the  bra- 
zei:  serpent? 

A.  Hezekiah  destroyed  it, 
because  tbe  Israelites  burnt 
incense  to  it.  2  Kings  xviii.  4. 


Q.  Would  Sihon,  king  of  the 
Amoritcs,  and  Og,  king  of  Ba- 
sliau,  let  Israel  pass  through 
their  countries? 

A.  No ;  therefore  the  Is- 
raelites slew  them  and  their 
people,  and  took  possession  of 
their  land. 


LESSON   XXVII. 


Q.  Where  did  Israel  next  en- 
camp ?  ^ 

A.  In  the  plains  of  Moab, 
east  of  Jordan,  near  Jericho. 
Num.  xxii. 

Q.  What  did  Balak,  king  of  the 
Moabites,  do? 

A.  Sent  for  Balaam,  the 
prophet,  to  curse  Israel. 

Q.  What  happened  when  he 
was  going  ? 

A.  His  ass,  seeing  an  angel 
in  the  way,  turned  aside. 

Q.  What  did  Balaam  do  ? 

A,  As  he  did  not  see  the 
angel,  he  smote  the  ass. 

Q.  What  then  happened? 

A.  The  Lord  opened  the 
mouth  of  the  ass,  and  he 
rebuked  the  madness  of  the 
prophet.     2  Pet.  ii.  16. 

Q.  When  he  got  to  Moab,  did 
he  curse  Israel? 

A.  No :  he  said  he  could 
not,  because  God  had  blessed 
them.     Num.  xxiii. 

Q.  What  was  Balaam's  wish? 

A.  Let  me  die  the  death 
of  the  righteous,  and  let  my 
last  end  be  like  his. 


Q.  What  did  he  predict? 

A.  The  prosperity  of  the 
Israelites :  he  said  there 
should  come  a  Star  out  of 
Jacol),  and  a  Sceptre  out  of 
Israel,  that  should  destroy 
the  Moabites.    Num.  xxiv. 

Q.  What  sin  did  the  Israelites 
commit  among  the  Moabites? 

A.  Worshipped  their  gods. 
Num.  XXV. 

Q.  How  were  they  punished 
for  their  sin  ? 

A.  Twenty- five  thousand 
died  with  a  plague. 

Q.  When  the  people  were  num- 
bered on  the  plains  of  Moab, 
how  many  were  there  ? 

A.  Six  hundred  and  one 
thousand,  seven  hundred  and 
thirty  men  twenty  years  of 
age  and  upward,  all  that 
were  able  to  go  forth  to  war ; 
beside  twenty-three  thousand 
male  Levites,  a  month  old 
and  upward.     Num.  xxvi. 

Q.  Had  they  increased  or  de- 
creased in  the  wilderness? 

A.  The  Levites  had  in- 
creased seven  hundred  and 
twenty  -  seven  ;     the     other 


4() 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


tribes  had  decreased  one 
thousand,  eight  hundred  and 
twenty. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  those  who 
were  numbered  at  the  lirst  num- 
bering ? 

A.  That  they  were  all 
dead  at  the  second  num- 
bering, except  Caleb  and 
Joshua. 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  Moses 
to  do? 

A.  To  go  up  on  the  top  of 
Mount  Abarim,  and  see  the 
promised  land,  and  die. 
rfum.  xxvii. 

Q.  Whom  was  he  to  ordain  as 
his  successor  ? 

A.  Joshua. 

Q.  What  was  his  last  service? 

A.  The  conquest  of  the 
Midianites,  who  enticed  Is- 
rael to  sin.     Num.  xxxi. 


Q.  By  whose  counsel  did  they 

do  this  ? 

A.  Balaam's. 
Q.  What  became  of  Balaam?^ 
A.  He  was  killed  with  the  ■ 
Midianites. 

Q.  What  did  the  officers  do 
when  they  found  that  they  had 
lost  not  a  mau  iu  the  war  ? 

A.  Made  an  offering  to 
God  of  the  spoils. 

Q.'"What  did  the  Reubenites, 
and  Gaditcs,  and  half  of  the  tribe 
of  Mauasseh  do  ? 

A.  Asked  and  obtained 
the  land  of  Jazer  and  Gilead 
for  their  possession.  Num. 
xxxii. 

Q.  On  what  condition  was 
their  request  granted? 

A.  That  they  should  help 
the  other  tribes  to  conquer 
the  Canaanites. 


1 


LESSON   XXVIII 


Q.  W^hat  is  the  fifth  book  of 
the  Bible  called  ? 
A.  Deuteronomy. 

Q.  What  does  that  word  mean? 

A.  The  second  law. 

Q.  Why  is  it  so  called? 

A.  Because  in  it  Moses 
repeats  the  law  to  the  Israel- 
ites.    Deut.  i. 

Q.  What  great  prediction  is 
found  in  it  ? 

A.  That  concerning  the 
great  Prophet,  like  unto 
Moses,  whom  God  should 
raise  up.     Dcut.  xyiii.  15. 


Q.  Who  was  he? 

A.  Jesus  Christ.    Acts  iii. 


Q.  What  did  Moses  predict 
should  happen  if  they  were  obe- 
dient? 

A.  They  should  be  blessed 
and  prosperous.  Deut.  xxviii. 

Q.  What  should  happen  if 
they  were  disobedient? 

A.  They  should  be  cursed, 
and  carried  into  captivity. 

Q.  Have  these  prediction)* 
been  fulfilled? 


A.  They  have. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


47 


\Q.  What  then  did  Moses  speak 
to  the  people? 

A.  A  sublime  song.  Deut. 
xxxii. 

Q.  What  does  that  song  con- 
tain 'I 

A.  A  record  of  past  mer- 
cies and  sins,  and  an  exhor- 
tation to  obedience. 

Q.  ^Yhat  then  did  Moses  do  ? 

A.  Blessed  all  the  triljes 
of  Israel,  except  Simeon. 
Deut.  xxxiii. 

Q.  Where  did  he  die  ? 

A.  On  Mount  Pisgah,  in  the 
land  of  Moab.     Deut.  xxxiv. 

Q.  Why  did  he  ascend  the 
mountain? 

A.  To  see  the  promised 
land. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  his  burial  ? 


A.  The  Lord  buried  him 
in  a  valley,  in  the  land  of 
Moab,  but  no  man  knew  of 
his  sepulchre. 

Q.  How  old  was  he  at  his 
death? 

A.  One  hundred  and 
twenty  years. 

Q.  Was  he  a  deerepit  old 
man? 

A.  No :  his  eye  was  not 
dim,  nor  his  natural  force 
abated. 

Q.  How  long  did  Israel  mourn 
for  him  ? 

A.  Thirty  days. 
Q.  Who  was  his  successor? 
A.  Joshua. 

Q.  Was  he,  or  any  of  his  suc- 
cessors, equal  to  Moses? 
A.  No. 


LESSON    XXIX 


Q.  What  is  the  sixth  book  of 
the  Bible  called? 

A.  The  Book  of  Joshua. 

Q.  Vrh.0  was  Joshua  ? 

A.  The  son  of  Nun.  Josh.  i. 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  Joshua? 

A.  That  he  would  be  with 
him  as  he  had  been  with 
Moses,  and  help  him  con- 
quer the  Canaanites. 

Q.  What  charge  did  he  give 
him? 

A.  Be  strong  and  of  a  good 
courage,  and  keep  the  law 
of  Moses. 


Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Sent  two  men  over  Jor- 
dan to  spy  out  the  land.  Josh, 
ii. 

Q.  Where  did  they  lodge  ? 

A.  At  the  house  of  Rahab, 
in  Jericho. 

Q.  What  report  did  they 
bring  ? 

A.  That  the  inhabitants 
were  afraid  of  them. 

Q.  How  did  Israel  cross  Jor- 
dan? 

A.  The  waters  were  divi- 
ded by  a  miracle.     Josh.  iii. 


48 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  How  did  they  commem- 
orate the  event? 

A.  They  set  up  twelve 
stones  in  Jordan,  and  took 
twelve  others  out  of  the  midst 
of  the  river,  and  set  them  up 
in  Gilgal.     Josh.  iv. 

Q.  What  took  phxce  while 
they  were  encamped  at  Gilgal  ? 

A.  The  children  of  Israel 
were  circumcised :  they  kept 
the  Passover ;  and  the  manna 
ceased.    Josh.  v. 

Q.  Who  appeared  to  Joshua? 

A.  A  man  with  a  drawn 
sword. 

Q.  Wlio  was  he  ? 

A.  The  captain  of  the 
Lord's  host. 

Q.  Wliatdidhe  say? 

A.  Loose  thy  shoe  from  off 
thy  foot ;  for  the  place  where- 
on thou  standest  is  holy. 

Q.  How  was  Jericho  taken? 

A.  Seven  priests  carried 
the  ark  around  it  seven  days, 
blowing  rams'  horns,  and  on 
the  seventh  day  the  people 
shouted,  and  the  wall  fell 
down  flat.    Josh.  vi. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  Avith  it? 

A.  Burnt  it,  and  killed  all 
its  inhabitants,  except  Kahab 
and  her  friends. 

Q.  W^hcn  they  attacked  Ai, 
what  happened? 

A.  Thirty- six  Israelites 
were  killed,  and  the  rest 
were  routed.     Josh.  vii. 

Q.  Why  was  this  ? 

A.    Because   Achan    had 


taken  some  of  the  spoils  of 
Jericho,  which  were  cursed 
by  the  Lord. 

Q.  TNlien  his  sin  was  found 
out,  what  was  done  to  him? 

A.  He  was  put  to  death. 
Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 
A.  They  destroyed  Ai  and 
its  inhabitants.     Josh.  viii. 

Q.  "What  did  Joshua  then  do? 
A.  Built  an  altar  in  Mount 
Ebal,  and  offered  sacrifices. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  do? 

A.  He  wrote  the  law  on 
the  stones,  and  read  the 
blessings  and  curses,  as  Mo- 
ses had  commanded.  Deut. 
xxvii. 

Q.  Where  did  the  people 
stand? 

A.  Half  of  them  over 
against  Ebal,  and  half  over 
against  Gerizim. 

Q.  What  did  the  Gibeonites 
do? 

A.  Pretended  that  they 
came  from  a  far  country,  and 
got  Joshua  to  make  a  league 
with  them.     Josh.  ix. 

Q.  When  Joshua  found  that 
they  had  deceived  him,  what  did 
he  do? 

A.  Made  them  hewers  of 
wood  and  drawers  of  water 
for  the  congregation  and 
altar. 

Q.  "WTien  five  kings  of  the 
Amorites  made  war  on  the  Gib- 
eonites, what  did  Joshua  do? 

A.  Fought  against  them. 
Josh.  X. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


49 


Q.  WTiat  miracle  was  wronglit 
at  Joshua's  request  ? 

A.  The  daylight  was  pro- 
longed to  enable  him  to  fin- 
ish the  conquest  of  the  kings. 

Q.  WHiom  did  he  conquer  at 
the  waters  of  Meroni? 

A.  Jabin,  and  other  kings. 
Josh.  xi. 

Q.  How  many  kings  did  he 
conquer? 

A.  Thirty-one.     Josh.  xii. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  the 
country? 

A.  Divided  it  bet-ween  nine 
tribes  and  a  half.  Josh. 
xiv.-xix. 

Q.  Where  was  the  inheritance 
of  the  other  tribes,  Reuben,  Gad, 
and  the  half  tribe  of  Manasseh? 

A.  East  of  Jordan. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  children 
of  Joseph  ? 


A.  They  were  two  tribes, 
Manasseh  and  Ephraim. 
Gen.  xlviii.  5,  6. 

Q.  "UTiatissaid  of  Levi? 

A.  They  gave  no  part  unto 
the  Levites  in  the  land,  save 
some  cities,  with  their  sub- 
urbs, as  they  were  supported 
by  tithes. 

Q.  What  did  Caleb  say  ? 

A.  That,  though  he  was 
eighty-five  years  old,  he  was 
able,  with  the  Lord's  help,  to 
take  the  mountain  of  the  An- 
akim  or  giants,  which  he  did. 
Josh.  xiv. 

Q.  What  was  the  city  of  the 
Anakim  called? 

A.  Kirjath-arba,  that  is, 
the  city  of  Arba,  the  father 
of  Anak,  which  city  is  He- 
bron.    Josh.  XV. 


LESSON    XXX. 


Q.  What  were  the  cities  of  re- 
fuge ? 

A.  Cities  to  which  the 
slayer,  who  killed  any  person 
unawares,  might  fly  for  pro- 
tection.    Josh.  XX. 

Q.  How  many  were  there  ? 
A.    Six:    three    on    each 
side  of  Jordan, 

Q.  How  many  cities,  with 
their  suburbs,  were  given  to  the 
Levites? 

A.  Forty- eight  in  all  the 
tribes.    Josh.  xxi. 


Q.  When  they  had  finished  the 
conquest,  what  did  the  Reuben- 
ites,  Gadites,  and  half  tribe  of 
Manasseh  do  ? 

A.  Departed  with  Joshua's 
blessing.     Josh.  xxii. 

Q.  What  did  they  build  on  the 
borders  of  Jordan? 

A.  An  altar. 

Q.  When  the  other  tribes 
heard  of  it,  what  did  they  do  ? 

A.  They  prepared  to  make 
war  on  them,  supposing  they 
designed  to  rebel  against  the 
Lord. 


50 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  ^^^lat  did  the  eastern  tribes 
tell  tliein  i^ 

A.  That  they  built  it  as  a 
witness  to  prove  that  they 
belonged  to  Israel. 

Q.  Did  this  please  the  other 
tribes? 

A.  It  did. 

Q.  What  did  the  eastern  tribes 
call  the  altar? 

A.  Ed,  which  means  wit- 
ness ;  for  they  said  to  their 
brethren,  It  shall  be  a  wit- 
ness bet-.veen  us  that  the 
Lord  is  God. 

Q.  HoAV  did  Joshua  move  the 
people  to  obedience? 

A.  By  calling  to  mind  for- 
mer benefits,  by  promises, 
and  by  threateuings.  Josh, 
xxiii. 

Q.  "Where  did  he  assemble 
them? 

A.  At  Shechem.  Josh, 
xxiv. 

Q.  What  was  his  noble  reso- 
lution? 

A.  As  for  me  and  my 
house,  we  will  serve  the 
Lord. 

Q.  What  did  the  people  say? 

A.  The  Lord  our  God  will 
we  serve,  and  his  voice  will 
wo  obey. 


Q.  Wliat  then  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Made  a  covenant  with 
them. 

Q.  Wliat  else  ? 

A.  He  wrote  these  words 
in  the  book  of  the  law  of  God, 
and  took  a  great  stone,  and 
set  it  up  under  an  oak  by  the 
sanctuary,  for  a  witness. 

Q.  How  old  was  Joshua  at  hia 
death? 

A.  One  hundred  and  ten 
years  old. 

Q.  Where  was  he  buried  ? 

A.  In  the  border  of  his  in- 
heritance in  Timnath-serah, 
in  Mount  Ephraim. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  Israel  ? 

A.  They  served  the  Lord 
all  the  days  of  Joshua,  and 
of  the  elders  which  outlived 
him. 

Q.  Wliat  is  said  of  the  bones 
of  Joseph  ? 

A.  They  were  buried  in 
Shechem,  which  became  the 
inheritance  of  his  children. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  Eleazar, 
the  son  of  Aaron? 

A.  He  died,  and  was  bu- 
ried in  a  hill,  which  was 
given  to  his  son  Phiuehas, 
in  Mount  Ephraim. 


LESSON   XXXI. 


Q.  What  is  the  seventh  book 
of  the  Bible  called? 

A.  The  book  of  Judges. 


Q.  Why  is  it  so  called? 
A.  Because  it  treats  of  the 
judges  who  governed  Israel. 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


51 


Q.  After  Joshua's  death,  what 
tribes  first  went  up  agaiust  the 
Canaanites? 

A.  Judah  and  Simeon. 
Judg.  i. 

Q.  WTiat  king  did  they  take  ? 

A.  Adoni-bezek. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  to  him? 

A.  Cut  off  his  thumbs  and 
great  toes,  because  he  had 
done  so  to  seventy  kings. 

Q.  Who  took  Kirjath-sepher? 

A.  Othnicl,  nephew  of 
Caleb,  who  gave  him  Achsah 
his  daughter  to  wife. 

Q.  ^¥hat  did  she  say  to  her 
father? 

A.  Give  me  a  blessing;  for 
thou  hast  given  me  a  south 
land  ;  give  me  also  springs  of 
water. 

Q.  ^Tiat  did  her  father  do? 

A.  Gave  her  the  upper 
and  the  nether  springs. 

Q.  What  was  the  conduct  of 
the  next  generation? 

A.  They  forsook  the  Lord, 
and  served  Baal  and  Ashta- 
roth.     Judg.  ii. 

Q.  Into  whose  hands  were 
they  delivered? 

A.  The  hands  of  Chushan- 
rishathaim,  king  of  Mesopo- 
tamia.    Judg.  iii. 

Q.  How  long  did  they  serve 
hiia? 

^  .,A.  Eight  years. 

.    Q.  Who  delivered  them  when 
they  prayed  ? 

A.  Othniel,  who  died  after 
the  land  rested  forty  years. 


Q.  Wliat  then  took  place  ? 

A.  Israel  sinned,  and  was 
made  to  serve  Eglon,  king  of 
Moab,  eighteen  years. 

Q.  How  were  they  delivered? 

A.  Ehud  killed  Eglon,  and 
ten  thousand  Moabites  were 
slain,  and  the  land  rested 
eighty  years. 

Q.  Who  was  the  next  deliverer 
of  Israel ? 

A.  Shamgar,  who  slew  six 
hundred  Philistines  with  an 
ox-goad. 

Q.  Who  oppressed  Israel 
twenty  years? 

A.  Jabin,  king  of  Canaan, 
whose  captain  was  Sisera. 
Judg.  iv. 

Q.  "\;Miat  is  said  of  him? 
A.  lie  had  nine  hundred 
chariots  of  iron. 

Q.  By  whom  was  Israel  deliv- 
ered? 

A.  By  Deborah  and  Barak. 

Q.  How  was  Sisera  killed? 

A,  Jael,  the  wife  of  Heber, 
drove  a  nail  through  his  tem- 
ples, while  he  was  asleep  in 
her  house. 

Q.  What  did  Deborah  and  Ba- 
rak then  do  ? 

A.  Celebrated  their  victory 
in  a  song.     Judg.  v. 

Q.  What  was  the  curse  of 
Meroz  ? 

A.  Curse  ye  Meroz,  curse 
ye  bitterly  the  inhabitants 
thereof;  because  they  came 
not  to  tlie  help  of  the  Lord,  to 


52 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


the  help  of  the  Lord  against 
tlie  mighty. 

Q.  How  long  did  the  land  then 
rest? 

A.  Forty  years. 

Q.  Who  oppressed  Israel 
seven  j-ears  ? 

A.  The  Midianites.  Judg. 
vi. 

Q.  How  was  Israel  delivered? 
A.  An  angel  sent  Gideon 
to  light  the  Midianites. 

Q.  How  many  men  had  he  ? 

A.  Thirty-two  thousand. 
Judg.  vii.,  viii. 

Q.   Did  they  all  go  to  battle  ? 

A.  No:  twenty- two  thou- 
sand fearful  ones  were  sent 
home. 

Q.  Did  the  other  ten  thousand 
go? 

A.  No:  only  three  hundred 


of  them ;  the  rest  not  being 
brave  enough. 

Q.  What  armor  had  they? 

A.  Each  man  had  a  trum- 
pet and  pitcher,  with  a  lamp 
in  it. 

Q.  ^Vhat  use  did  they  make  of 
them? 

A.  When  they  came  to  the 
camp  of  the  enemy  in  the 
night,  they  blew  the  trum- 
pets, broke  the  pitchers,  and 
shouted,  The  sword  of  the 
Lord  and  of  Gideon. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  The  Midianites  fled, 
and  were  conquered,  and 
their  princes,  Oreb  and  Zeeb, 
and  their  two  kings,  Zebah 
and  Zalmunna,  were  slain. 

Q.  How  long  was  the  country 
quiet? 

A.  Forty  years. 


LESSON   XXXII. 


Q.  After  Gideon's  death,  what 
did  his  son  Abimelech  do? 

A.  Slew  all  his  seventy 
brothers  except  Jotham,  the 
youngest.     Judg.  ix. 

Q.  What  did  the  men  of  She- 
chem  do? 

A.  Made  Abimelech  king. 

Q.  How  did  Jotham  reprove 
them? 

A.  By  a  parable  of  the 
trees  anointing  the  bramble 
to  be  their  king. 


Q.  When  he  had  reigned  three 
years,  what  happened? 

A.  Gaal  fought  against 
him,  but  was  defeated. 

Q.  What  did  Abimelech  do  to 
Shechem? 

A.  Beat  it  down,  and  sowed 
it  with  salt. 

Q.  When  he  was  taking  The- 
bez,  what  happened? 

A.  A  women  threw  a  piece 
of  millstone  upon  him  from 
a  tower,  and  broke  his  skull. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


53 


Q.  Did  it  kill  him? 

A.  It  would  have  killed 
him,  but  he  got  his  armor- 
bearer  to  thrust  him  through 
with  a  sword,  lest  it  should 
be  said  a  woman  killed  him. 

Q.  Who  then  judged  Israel 
twenty- three  years? 

A.  Tola ;  and  after  him, 
Jair,  tAventy-two  years. 
Judg.  X. 

Q.  When  the  Israelites  sinned 
again,  who  were  allowed  to  op- 
press them  ? 

A.  The  Ehilistines  and 
Ammonites. 

Q.  Who  delivered  them? 

A.  Jephthah.     Judg.  xi. 

Q.  What  was  Jephthah's  vow? 

A.  That  if  he  returned  vic- 
torious, he  would  consecrate 
to  the  Lord  whatsoever  should 
come  out  of  his  house  to  meet 
him. 

Q.  Who  met  him  on  his  re- 
turn? 

A.  Ilis  daughter. 

Q.  "^liat  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Expressed  great  sor- 
row, as  she  was  his  only 
child ;  yet  he  did  with  her 
according  to  his  vow,  so  that 
she  never  became  a  mother 
in  Israel. 


Q.  Did  she  consent  to  this? 
A.  Yes ;   but  not  without 
lamenting  her  fate. 

Q.  "\^liat  did  the  daughteiB  of 
Israel  do? 

A.  Went  yearly  to  lament, 
or  talk  with  her,  four  days  in 
a  year. 

Q.  "WTien  the  Ephraimites 
quarrelled  with  Jephthah,  what 
did  he  do? 

A.  Killed  forty-two  thou- 
sand of  them.     Judg.  xii. 

Q.  How  did  he  detect  an 
Ephraimite  ? 

A.  He  told  him  to  pro- 
nounce Shibboleth,  but  he 
said  Sibboleth,  for  he  could 
not  say  Shib. 

Q.    How  long   did   Jephthah 
judge  Israel  ? 
A.  Six  years. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  him? 

A.  Ibzan,  for  seven  years: 
he  had  thirty  sons  and  thirty 
daughters. 

Q.  WTio  next? 

A.  Elon,  for  ten  years. 

Q.  Who  next? 

A.  Abdon,  for  eight  years: 
he  had  forty  sons  and  thirty 
grandsons,  who  rode  on  sev- 
enty ass-colts. 


LESSON   XXXIII. 


Q.  Who  next  oppressed  Israel? 
A.    The    Philistines,    for 
forty  years.     Judg.  xiii. 


Q.  Who  delivered  Israel? 
A.  Samson,  the  son  of  Mar 
noah. 


51 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Before  he  was  born,  what 
happened? 

A.  The  augel  of  the  Lord 
told  his  parents  to  bring  him 
Tip  a  Nazarite,  and  he  should 
deliver  Israel. 

Q.  How  did  he  show  his  great 
strength? 

_A.  lie  killed  a  lion  with 
his_  hands,  and  slew  thirty 
Philistines  at  one  time.  Judg. 
siv, 

Q.  How  did  he  burn  up  the 
Philistines'  corn? 

A.  lie  tied  firebrands  to 
the  tails  of  three  hundred 
foxes,  and  turned  them  into 
the  corn-field.     Judg.  xv. 

Q.  How  many  Phih'stines  did 
he  kill  with  the  jaw-bone  of  an 
ass? 

A.  One  thousand. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  do? 

A.  He  carried  away  the 
gates  of  Gaza,  and  broke 
green  Avitlies  and  new  ropes 
witli  Avliich  he  was  bound,  as 
if  tliey  had  been  a  thread. 
Judg.  xvi. 

Q.  How  did  he  lose  his 
strength  ? 

A.  He  allowed  Delilah  to 
cut  ofi"  his  hair. 

Q.  What  tlicn  happened? 
^  A.  The  Philistines  put  out 
his  eyes,  and  made  him  grind 
in  prison. 

Q.  Did  he  regain  his  strength  ? 

A.  He  did,  when  his  hair 
was  grown. 


Q.  "^^Tien  the  Philif^tines  made 
a  feast  to  their  god  Dagou,  and 
brought  Samson  out  to  make 
sport  for  them,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Took  hold  of  the  pil- 
lars of  the  house  and  pulled 
it  down  upon  the  Philistines, 
killing  a  great  multitude  of 
them,  and  also  himself. 


Q.  How  lour 
Israel ? 


did   he   judt 


A.  Twenty  years. 

Q.  "VMiat  happened  to  a  man 
named  ]\ricah? 

A.  He  had  a  house  of  gods 
and  a  Levite  for  a  priest,  but 
the  Danites  carried  off  the 
gods  and  the  priest.  Judg. 
xvii.,  xviii. 

Q.  What  did  they  then  do  ? 

A.  Set  up  Micah's  graven 
image  at  Dan,  while  the 
house  of  God  was  in  Shi- 
loh. 

Q.  "\^nien  some  of  the  Benja- 
mitcs  wronged  a  Levite,  what 
took  place? 

A.  A  war,  in  which  all 
the  Benjamites  were  killed, 
except  six  hundred  ;  and  also 
forty  thousand  of  the  other 
tribes.     Judg.  xix.-xxi. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  Israel- 
ites? 

A.  In  those  days  there  was 
no  king  in  Israel :  every  man 
did  that  which  was  right  in 
his  own  eyes. 

Q.  Were  they  not  for  the  most 
part  very  wicked? 

A.  They  were. 


SCRIPTURE   OATECHISxM. 


55 


LESSON   XXXIY. 


Q.  Wliat  is  the  eiglith  book  of 
the  Bible  ? 

A.  The  t)ook  of  Ruth. 

Q.  Who  was  she  ? 

A.  A  Moabitess,  the 
daughter-in-law  of  Naomi. 
Euth  i. 

Q.  How  came  Naomi  in  the 
laud  of  Moab  ? 

A.  She  -went  there  during 
a  famine,  and  dwelt  there  ten 
years. 

Q.  What  happened  during 
that  time  ? 

A.  Her  husband  and  two 
sons  died. 

Q.  VThen  she  was  about  to  re- 
turn, what  did  Ruth  say? 

A.  Entreat  me  not  to  leave 
thee,  or  to  return  from  fol- 
lowing after  thee  ;  for  whither 
thou  goest,  I  will  go ;  and 
vrhere  thou  lodgest,  I  will 
lodge :  thy  people  shall  be 
my  people,  and  thy  God  my 
God :  where  thou  diest,  will 
I  die,  and  there  will  I  be 
buried :  the  Lord  do  so  to 
me,  and  more  also,  if  ought 
but  death  part  thee  and  >  je. 

Q.  What  happened  after  Na- 
omi's return  with  Ruth? 

A.  Pvuth  gleaned  in  the 
fields  of  Boaz,  who  was  kind 
to  her,  and  finally  married 
her.     Ruth  ii.-iv. 

Q.  Who  was  her  son? 

A.  Obed,  father  of  Jesse, 
the  father  of  David. 


Q.    What  are  the   ninth  and 

tenth  boolis  of  the  Bible  ? 

A.  The  first  and  second 
books  of  Samuel. 

Q.  Who  was  Samuel? 
A.    The   son   of  Elkanah 
and  Hannah.     1  Sam.  i. 

Q.  Why  was  he  called  Samuel, 
which  means  asked  of  God? 

A.  Because  his  mother 
asked  him  of  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  did  she  do  with  him? 

A.  Brought  him  to  the 
house  of  the  Lord  in  Shiloh, 
and  he  ministered  before  the 
Lord. 

Q.  Who  was  high -priest  at 
that  time  ? 

A.  Eli,  who  had  two  bad 
sons,  Hophni  and  Phinehas. 
1  Sam.  ii. 

Q.  What  happened  to  Samuel 
while  he  was  yet  a  child? 

A.  The  Lord  called  him, 
but  he  thought  it  was  Eli 
that  called  him.  1  Sam. 
iii. 

Q.  After  he  had  been  called 
three  times,  what  did  Eli  tell  him 
to  answer  ? 

A.  Speak,  Lord,  for  thy 
servant  heareth. 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  him? 

A.  That  he  would  judge 
Eli's  family,  because  his 
sons  made  themselves  vile 
and  he  restrained  them 
not. 


56 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Wliat  did  Eli  say  when 
Samuel  tuld  him  of  it? 

A.  It  is  the  Lord :  let  him 
do  what  seemeth  hiui  good. 

Q.  "What  is  said  of  Samuel 
as  he  grew  up  ? 

A.  The  Lord  was  with,  and 
revealed  himself  to  him ;  and 
all  Israel  knew  that  he  was 
a  prophet. 

Q.  When  the  Philistines  fought 
against  Israel,  what  happened? 

A.  The  Israelites  were 
smitten,  the  ark  of  God  was 
taken,  and  Ilophni  and  Phin- 
ehas  were  slain.     1  Sam.  iv. 

Q.  When  Eli  heard  of  it,  how 
did  it  alfect  him? 

A.  He  fell  backward,  and 
broke  his  neck. 

Q.  How  long  had  he  judged 
Israel ? 

A.  Forty  years. 

Q.  What  name  did  the  wife  of 
Phinehas  give  to  her  son  that 
was  born  at  this  time? 

A.  Ichabod,  which  means, 
Where  is  the  glory?  for  she 
said,  The  glory  is  departed 
from  Israel  ? 


Q  Where  did  the  Philistines 
put  the  ark? 

A.  In  the  temple  of  their 
god  Dagon  at  Ashdod.  1 
Sam.  V. 

Q  Wliat  happened  to  Dagon? 

A.  He  fell  before  the  ark, 
and  was  broken  to  pieces. 

Q.  ^AHien  God  punished  the 
people  of  Ashdod,  what  did  they 
do  with  the  ark? 

A.  Carried  it  to  Gath ;  and 
the  people  of  Gath  carried  it 
to  Ekron. 

Q.  When  it  had  been  with  the 
Philistines  seven  months,  what 
did  they  do? 

A.  Sent  it  back  with  a 
trespass -offering,  in  a  new 
cart,  drawn  by  two  milch 
cows.     1  Sam.  vi. 

Q.  "\\Tiat  happened  at  Beth- 
she  mesh? 

A.  Fifty  thousand  and  sev- 
enty men  were  smitten  for 
looking  into  the  ark. 

Q.  Whatwasthen  done  with  it? 

A.  The  men  of  Kirjath- 
jearim  took  it  to  their  city, 
and  kept  it  there  twenty 
years.     1  Sam.  vii. 


LESSON   XXXV. 


Q.  "Wlien  the  Israelites  re- 
pented of  their  idolatry,  and 
Samuel  prayed  for  them,  what 
took  place  ? 

A.  The  Lord  thundered 
upon  the  Philistines,  and 
they  were  smitten  before  Is- 
rael.    1  Sam.  vii. 


Q.  What  did  Samuel  then  do?. 
A.    Set  up   a  stone,  and 
called  it  Eben-ezer. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  when  lio 
set  up  the  stone  ? 

A.  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord 
helped  us. 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


57 


Q.  What  does  Eben-ezer 
mean? 

A.  The  stone  of  help. 

Q.  Where  did  Samuel  live  ? 

A.  At  Ram  ah,  where  he 
built  an  altar. 

Q.  To  what  placc3  did  he  go 
every  year? 

A.  To  Bethel,  Gilgal,  and 
Mizpeh,  to  judge  Israel. 

Q.  AMienhe  was  old,  whom  did 
he  make  judges? 

A.  His  sons,  Joel  and  Abi- 
ah.     1  Sam.  viii. 

Q.  When  they  acted  wickedly, 
what  did  the  people  ask? 

A.  That  Samuel  would 
give  them  a  king. 

.Q.  What  did  Samuel  do  ? 
A.  Prayed  to  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  tell  him 
to  do? 

A.  To  comply  with  their 
request,  but  to  show  them 
how  they  would  be  oppressed 
if  they  got  a  king. 

Q.  What  did  they  say  to  this? 

A.  That  they  would  have 
a  king,  to  be  like  other  na- 
tions. 

Q.  Whom  did  the  Lord  tell 
Samuel  he  would  send  to  him  to 
anoint  king  ? 

A.  Saul,  the  son  of  Kish. 
1  Sam.  ix. 

'  '  Q.  After  Saul  was  anointed, 
what  took  place? 

A.  God  gave  him  another 
heai't ;  and  the  Spirit  of  God 
came  upon  him,  and  he 
prophesied.     1  Sam.  x. 


Q.  Wliat  was  his  first  exploit? 

A.  llo  delivered  Israel 
from  the  Ammonites.  1  Sam. 
xi. 

Q.  What  did  the  Israelites 
then  do? 

A.  Renewed  the  kingdom 
at  Gilgal,  with  sacrifices  of 

Q.  How  did  Samuel  testify  his 
integrity  as  a  judge? 

A.  lie  challenged  the  peo- 
ple to  deny  it,  and  at  his  re- 
quest the  Lord  sent  thunder 
and  rain.     1  Sam.  xii. 

Q.  What  did  the  people  say? 

A.  That  they  had  sinned 
in  asking  for  a  king. 

Q.  What  did  Samuel  tell  them  ? 

A.  To  fear  the  Lord;  for 
if  they  did  not,  they  and 
their  king  should  be  con- 
sumed. 

Q.  When  the  Philistines  op- 
pressed Israel,  what  did  Saul  do  ? 

A.  Offered  a  burnt-offering, 
for  doing  which  he  was  re- 
proved by  Samuel. 

Q.  Who  gained  a  victory  over 
a  garrison  of  the  Philistines  ? 

A.  Jonathan,  Saul's  son. 
1  Sam.  xiv. 

Q.  For  what  was  Saul  going 
to  kill  him? 

A.  Because  he  had  eaten 
a  little  honey,  not  knowing 
that  his  father  had  adjured 
the  people  not  to  eat  that  day. 

Q.  Did  Saul  put  him  to  death? 

A.  No :  the  people  would 
not  let  him. 


58 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  ^^^lat  did  Samuel  tell  Saul 
to  do? 

A.  Utterly  destroy  the 
Ainalekites  and  their  cattle, 
1  Sam.  XV. 

Q.  What  did  lie  do  wheu  he 
found  that  Saul  had  spared  Agag, 


the  king  of  the  Amalekites,  and 
some  of  the  cattle? 

A.  Told  Saul  that  the  Lord 
had  rejected  him. 

Q.    What  did  Samuel   do   to 
Agag? 

A.  Put  him  to  death. 


LESSON   XXXVI. 


Q.  What  did  the  Lord  tell 
Samuel  to  do  ? 

A.  Anoint  one  of  the  sons  of 
Jesse  to  be  king.    1  Sam.  xvi. 

Q.  Wliich  of  his  eight  sous 
did  he  anoint? 

A.  David,  the  youngest, 
who  was  keeping  sheep. 

Q.  Whom  did  David  kill  with 
a  sling  and  a  stone? 

A.  Goliath  of  Oath,  the 
champion  of  the  Philistines. 
1  Sam.  xvii. 

Q.  "When  he  had  cut  off  the 
giant's  head  with  his  own  sword, 
what  did  he  do  with  it? 

A.  Carried  it  to  Jerusalem, 
and  presented  it  to  Saul. 

Q.  How  did  Jonathan  regard 
David? 

A  He  loved  him  as  his 
own  soul.     1  Sam.  xviii. 

Q.  Why  was  Saul  jealous  of 
David? 

A.  Because  the  women 
said,  Saul  hath  slain  his  thou- 
sands, and  David  his  ten  thou- 
sands. 

Q.  When  an  evil  spirit  came 
upon  Saul,  and  .David  played  on 


the  harp  to   relieve  him,  what 
did  Saul  do  ? 

A.  Threw  a  javelin  at  him. 

Q.  WTien  Saul  found  that  the 
people  loved  David,  what  did 
Saul  do  ? 

A.  Gave  him  his  daughter 
Michal,  to  be  a  snare  to  him. 

Q.  When  Saul  sought  to  kill 
him,  what  did  Michal  do? 

A.  Sent  off  David,  and  put 
an  image  in  his  bed,  and  said 
he  was  sick.     1  Sam.  xix. 

Q.  What  did  Saul  say? 
A.  Bring  him  up  to  me  in 
the  bed,  that  I  may  slay  him. 

Q.  When  he  found  that  he  was 
deceived,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Followed  him  to  Naioth, 
but  David  fled  to  Nob.  1 
Sam.  XX.,  xxi. 

Q.  What  did  Jonathan  and 
David  do? 

A.  Made  a  covenant  of 
friendship  together. 

Q.  Did  David  do  right  in  tell- 
ing Ahimelech  that  he  was  on 
the  king's  business? 

A.  He  did  not. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


59 


Q.  What  did  lie  get  of  Aloim- 
elech  ? 

A.  Some  of  the  show-bread, 
as  he  was  hungry,  and  the 
priest  had  no  other  food  to 
give  him. 

Q.  Wliat  else  did  lie  get? 

A.  Tlie  sword  of  Goliath. 

Q.  Whither  did  he  then  go  ? 

A.  To  Achish,  king  of 
Gath. 

Q.  Where  did  he  then  hide 
himself? 


A. 

lam. 


In  the  cave  of 
1  Sam.  xxii. 


Adul- 


Q.  Who  came  to  him  there  ? 
A.  Ilis  rehitives,  and  about 
four  hundred  men. 


Q.  What  did  he  do  with  his  fa- 
ther and  mother? 

A.  Took  them  to  the  king 
of  Moab. 

Q.    Who  was  Jesse's  grand- 
mother ? 

A.  lluth,  the  Moabitess. 

Q.  What  happened  while  Da- 
vid was  in  the  forest  of  Hareth? 

A.  Saul  killed  the  priests 
of  Nob. 

Q.    How   did    he   know  that 
they  had  entertained  David? 

A.  Doeg,  who  was  there  at 
the  time,  told  him. 

Q.  Which  of   the  priests  es- 
caped to  David? 

A.  Abiathar,  son  of  Ahim- 
elech. 


LESSON    XXXYII. 


Q.  After  David  had  delivered 
Keilah  from  the  Philistines,  who 
met  him  in  the  wilderness  of 
Ziph? 

A.  Jonathan,  Saul's  son, 
who  strengthened  his  hand 
in  God.    1  Sam.  xxiii. 

Q.  Wlien  the  Ziphites  told 
Saul  where  David  was,  what  did 
David  do  ? 

A.  Went  to  the  wilderness 
of  Maon  and  En-gedi. 

Q.  ^Vhen  he  had  an  opportn- 
nitv  of  killing  Saul,  what  did  he 
do? 

A.  Only  cut  off  the  skirt 
of  his  robe.     1  Sam.  xxiv. 
Q.   When  Nabal  insulted  him. 


what  was    he    prevented  from 
doing? 

A.  Killing  Nabal.  1  Sam. 


Q.  Who  prevented  him? 

A.  Abigail,  Nabal's  wife, 
whom  he  married  after  Na- 
bal's death. 

Q.  When  David  was  in  the  hill 
of  Hachilah,  what  did  the  Ziph- 
ites do? 

A.  Told  Saul.  1  Sam. 
xxvi. 

Q.  ^Aliat  didSauldo? 
A.  Went  with  three  thou- 
sand men  to  kill  him. 


60 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q  When  David  found  him 
asleep  in  the  trench,  what  did 
he  do? 

A.  He  took  his  spear  and 
cruse  of  water,  and  would 
not  let  Abishai  kill  him. 

Q.  What  did  Saul  say  when  he 
found  it  out? 

A.  I  have  played  the  fool, 
and  erred  exceedingly:  bless- 
ed be  thou,  my  son  David. 

Q.  'WTien  he  told  David  he 
would  no  more  do  him  harm,  did 
David  appear  to  believe  him? 

A.  No  ;  for  he  said,  I  shall 
one  day  fall  by  the  hand  of 
Saul.     1  Sam.  xxvii. 

Q.  Wliat  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  Went  and  stayed  a  year 
and  four  months  at  Ziklag. 

Q.  Why  did  he  stay  at  Ziklag  ? 

A.  Because  it  was  given 
him  by  Achish,  king  of  Gath. 

Q.  What  did  lie  do  during  that 
time? 

A.  Smote  the  Geshurites, 
Gezrites,  and  Amalekites. 

Q.  What  did  Saul  do  when  the 
Lord  had  departed  from  him, 
after  Sanuiel's  death? 

A.  Asked  the  witch  of  En- 
dor  to  raise  up  Samuel,  as  he 
wanted  to  get  his  counsel.  1 
Sam.  xxviii. 

Q.  Was  it  wrong  for  him  to 
apply  to  her? 
A.  It  was. 

Q.  Did  Samuel  appear  to  Saul? 
A.  The  witch  did  not  raise 


him,  but  the  Lord  permitted 
him  to  appear. 

Q.  For  what  purpose? 

A.  To  tell  Saul  that  he 
and  his  sons  should  be  slain 
by  the  Philistines. 

Q.  When  Achish  wanted  to 
take  David  with  him  to  the  bat- 
tle, why  would  not  the  lords  of 
the  Philistines  let  him  go  ? 

A.  They  were  afraid  he 
would  turn  against  them.  1 
Sam.  xxix. 

Q.  When  David  found  that  the 
Amalekites  had  burnt  Ziklag, 
and  carried  oflF  the  women,  what 
did  he  do  ? 

A.  Smote  the  Amalekites, 
and  recovered  the  captives. 
1  Sam.  XXX. 

Q.'What  became  of  Saul  ? 

A.  He  was  wounded  at  Gil- 
boa  by  the  Philistines,  and 
then  he  killed  himself  with 
his  sword.     1  Sam.  xxxi. 

Q.  Who  fell  with  him? 

A.  Jonathan,  his  two  bro- 
thers, and  all  his  men. 

Q.  What  did  the  Philistines  do 
with  Saul  ? 

A.  Cut  off  his  head,  and 
fastened  the  body  to  the  wall 
of  Beth-shan. 

Q.  What  did  the  Jabesh-gilead- 
ites  do  ? 

A.  Burnt  the  bodies  of 
Saul  and  his  sons,  and  buried 
their  bones,  and  fasted  aevea 
days. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


61 


LESSON   XXXVIII. 


Q»  What  did  David  do  to  an 
Amalekite  who  brought  him  the 
crown  of  Saul,  and  said  he  had 
killed  him? 

A.  Had  him  put  to  death. 
2  Sam.  i. 

Q.  How  did  he  express  his 
grief  for  Saul  and  Jonathan  ? 

A.  In  an  elegy,  in  which 
he  said,  Saul  and  Jonathan 
were  lovely  and  pleasant  in 
their  lives,  and  in  their  death 
they  were  not  divided. 

Q.  Is  it  common  to  speak  well 
of  the  dead? 

A.  Yes  ;  but  David  seems 
to  have  spoken  too  well  of 
Saul,  though  not  of  Jona- 
than. 

Q.  Whither  did  David  then  go  ? 

A.  To  Hebron,  where  the 
men  of  Judali  made  him 
king.     2  Sam.  ii. 

Q.  Whom  did  Abner  make 
king  at  Mahanaim? 

A.  Ish-bosheth,  Saul's  son. 
Q.  Whom  did  Abner  kill  ? 
A.  Asahel,  Joab's  brother. 

Q.  When  Abner  came  over  to 
David,  what  did  Joab  do  ? 

A.  Killed  him,  and  David 
lamented  his  death.  2  Sam. 
iii. 

Q.  What  became  of  Ish-bosh- 
eth? 

A.  Rechab  and  Baanah 
killed  him,  and  brought  his 
head  to  David.    2  Sam.  iv. 


Q.  What  did  David  do  ? 

A.  Had  them  slain,  and 
the  head  of  Ish-bosheth  bu- 
ried. 

Q.  "\Miat  then  took  place  ? 

A.  All  the  tribes  anointed 
David  king.     2  Sam.  v. 

Q.  How  old  was  he  ? 
A.  Thirty  years. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign  in 
Hebron? 

A.  Seven  years  and  sis 
months. 

Q.  Whither  did  he  then  go  ? 

A.  To  Jerusalem,  which 
he  took  from  the  Jebusites. 

Q.  Wlien  the  Philistines  came 
to  light  him,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Applied  to  the  Lord, 
who  enabled  him  to  conquer 
them. 

Q.  '\Vlien  he  was  bringing  the 
ark  from  Gibeah  to  Jerusalem, 
what  happened? 

A.  Uzzah  took  hold  of  it, 
and  the  Lord  smote  him.  2 
Sam.  vi. 

Q.  What  effect  did  this  pro- 
duce on  David? 

A.  He  was  afraid,  and  put 
the  ark  in  the  house  of  Obed- 
edom. 

Q.  How  long  did  it  stay 
there? 

A.  Three  months ;  and  the 
Lord  blessed  Obed-edom  and 
all  his  house. 


62 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  "\i\Tiat  did  David  do  when 
he  bron<:^lit  it  to  Jerusalem  to 
but  it  into  the  tabernacle  ? 

A.  Offered  sacrifices,  and 
danced  for  joy. 

Q.  How  did  it  affect  his  wife 
Michal  ? 

A.  She  despised  him  in  her 
heart. 

Q.  When  she  reproached  him 
for  it,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Severely  rebuked  her. 

Q.  What  was  David  prevented 
from  doing  by  Nathan  the  pro- 
phet? 

A.  Building  the  temple. 
2  Sam.  vii. 


Q.  What  enemies  did  he  con- 
quer? 

A.  Philistines,  MoalDites, 
Syrians,  and  Edomites.  2 
Sam.  viii. 

Q.  To  whom  did  he  show  spe- 
cial kindness? 

A.  To  Mephibosheth,  the 
lame  son  of  Jonathan.  2 
Sam.  ix. 

Q.  When  the  Ammonites  in- 
sulted David's  servants,  and 
hired  the  Syrians  to  fight  against 
him,  what  did  David  do  ? 

A.  Conquered  them  both. 
2  Sam.  X. 


LESSON    XXXIX. 


Q.  When  David  took  the  wife 
of  Uriah  and  had  him  killed, 
what  did  the  Lord  do  ? 

A,  Sent  Nathan  the  pro- 
phet to  reprove  him,  and  to 
threaten  him  v^'ith  severe 
judgments.     2  Sam.  xi.,  xii. 

Q.  What  effect  did  it  produce 
on  David? 

A.  He  confessed  his  sin, 
and  was  very  sorry  for  it. 

Q.  When  Absalom,  David's 
son,  killed  his  brother  Amnon 
for  injm-ing  his  sister,  what  did 
he  do  ? 

A.  Went  to  Geshur,  and 
remained  there  three  years. 
2  Sam.  xiii. 

Q.  By  whose  means  was  he 
brought  back  ? 


A.  By  means  of  Joab  and 
a  -widow  of  Tekoah.  2  Sam. 
xiv. 

Q.  "Wlien  Absalom  rebelled 
against  him,  and  was  slain,  what 
did  David  do  ? 

A.  Mourned  for  him.  2 
Sam.  xv.-xix. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  Shi- 
mei,  who  cursed  him? 
A.  Spared  his  life. 

Q.  What  was  done  to  Sheba, 
who  rebelled  against  him? 

A.  His  head  was  cut  off 
by  the  advice  of  a  wise  wo- 
man.    2  Sam.  XX. 

Q.  Who  treacherously  killed 
Amasa  when  pursuing  Sheba? 

A.  Joab. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


63 


-Q.  What  did  David  do  to 
please  the  Gibeouites,  whom 
Saul  had  sought  to  sla}'  ? 

A.  Hung  seven  of  Saul's 
grandsons.     2  Sam.  xxi. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  the 
bones  of  Saul  and  Jonathan? 

A.  Buried  them  in  the 
tomb  of  Kish,  Saul's  father. 

Q.  "WTiat  did  he  do  in  view  of 
God's  goodness  to  him? 

A.  Made  a  song  of  thanks- 
giving.    2  Sam.  xxii. 

Q.  ■\Mien  his  three  mighty  men 
broke  through  the  host  of  the 
Philistines,  and  brought  him  wa- 


ter from  the  well  of  Bethlehem, 
what  did  he  do  with  it? 

A.  Poured  it  out  unto  the 
Lord.     2  Sam.  xxiii. 

Q.  What  sin  did  Satan  induce 
him  to  commit? 

A.  To  number  the  people. 
2  Sam.  xxiv. 

Q.  How  did  the  Lord  punish 
him  for  his  pride  ? 

A.  Destroyed  seventy  thou- 
sand of  his  subjects. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  to  stop  the 
plague  ? 

A.  Built  an  altar  and  of- 
fered sacrifices. 


LESSON    XL. 


Q.  What  are  the  eleventh  and 
twelfth  books  of  the  Bible? 

A.  The  first  and  second 
books  of  the  Kings. 

Q.  "WTien  David  was  very  old, 
what  did  his  son  Adonijah  do? 

A.  Got  himself  proclaimed 
king.     1  Kings  i. 

Q.  Had  his  father  brought  him 
up  right? 

A.  No:  he  had  sufi'ered 
him  to  have  his  own  way. 

Q.  What  did  David  do  when 
he  heard  of  what  Adonijah  had 
done? 

A.  Had  Solomon  crowned 
king. 

Q.  Who  was  Solomon's 
mother  ? 

A.  Bathsheba. 

Q.  What  did  Adonijah  then  do  ? 


A.  Came  and  bowed  him- 
self to  king  Solomon. 

Q.  After  David  had  charged 
Solomon  to  be  rigliteous,  to 
avenge  the  wickedness  of  Joab 
and  Shimei,  and  to  show  kind- 
ness to  the  sons  of  Barzillai, 
what  occurred? 

^  A.  He  died,  and  was  bu- 
ried in  the  city  of  David.  1 
Kings  ii. 

Q.  How  long  had  he  reigned 
over  Israel  ? 

A.  Forty  years. 

Q.  Did  Solomon  put  Adonijah, 
Shimei,  and  Joab  to  deatli  as 
enemies  to  his  government? 

A.  He  did ;  and  turned 
Abiathar  out  of  the  priest's 
office,  because  he  went  with 
Adonijah. 


61 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  VTiiat  prophecy  was  thus 
fullillcd? 

A.  That  concerning  Eli's 
family.     1  Sam.  ii. 

Q.  Whom  did  Solomon  marry  ? 

A.  Pharaoh's  daughter.  1 
Kings  iii. 

Q.  "When  in  a  dream  God  told 
Solomon  to  ask  what  he  should 
give  him,  what  did  he  ask? 

A.  Wisdom. 

Q.  Did  God  give  it  to  him? 

A.  Yes ;  and  riches  and 
honor  too. 

Q.  When  the  people  saw,  by 
his  judgment  in  a  certain  case 
brought  before  him,  that  he  was 
very  wise,  how  did  they  feel  to- 
ward him  ? 

A.  They  feared  the  king. 

Q.  How  many  proverbs  did 
Solomon  speak? 

A.  Three  thousand.  1 
Kings  iv. 

Q.  How  many  songs  ? 

A.  A  thousand  and  five. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  speak? 

A.  He  spoke  of  all  kinds 
of  plants  and  animals. 

Q.  Wlien  he  built  the  temple, 
who  gave  him  assistance? 

A.  Iliram,  king  of  Tyre. 
1  Kings  V. 

Q.  Where  did  he  get  the  cedar 
and  stones. 

A.  In  Mount  Lebanon. 

Q.  When  did  he  begin  to  build  ? 

A.  In  the  four  hundred  and 
eightieth  year  after  the  child- 


ren of  Israel  came   out  of 

Egypt. 

Q.  How  loug  was  he  building 
it? 

A.  Seven  years, 

Q.  Who  made  the  brazen  ves- 
sels for  the  temple  ? 

A.  Hiram,  son  of  a  widow 
of  Naphtali,  whose  father 
was  of  Tyre. 

Q.  When  Solomon  dedicated 
the  temple,  Avhat  did  he  do? 

A.  Offered  prayers  and  sac- 
rifices, and  held  a  feast.  1 
Kings  viii. 

Q.  After  this,  what  did  King 
Hiram  and  Solomon  do  ? 

A.  Made  ships,  and  traded 
with  Ophir.     1  Kings  ix.,  x. 

Q.  Who  came  to  see  the  wis- 
dom of  Solomon? 

A.  People  from  all  lands, 
and  particularly  the  Queen 
of  vSheba,  who  brought  him 
rich  presents. 

Q.  In  his  old  age  what  did  Sol- 
omon do  ? 

A.  Took  a  thousand  strange 
wives,  who  led  him  into  idol- 
atry.    1  Kings  xi. 

Q.  What  was  the  result  of  his 
sin? 

A.  The  Lord  was  angry 
with  him,  and  raised  up  en- 
emies against  him. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Forty  years. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Solomon? 

A.  Rehoboam,  his  foolish 
.son. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


65 


LESSON   XLI. 


Q.  Who  took  away  ten  tribes 
from  Relioboam? 

A.  Jeroboam,  the  son  of 
Nebat.     1  Kings  xii. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  to  keep 
the  peoi)le  from  going  to  Jerusa- 
lem, lest  they  might  turn  again 
to  llchoboam? 

A.  Made  two  golden  calves 
to  be  worshipped  at  Bethel 
and  Dan. 

Q.  What  prophecy  did  a  man 
of  God  utter  concerning  his  altar 
at  Bethel? 

A.  ThatJosiah  should  burn 
tlie  bones  of  the  priests  upon 
it,  and  destroy  it.  1  Kings 
xiii. 

Q.  When  Jeroboam  put  forth 
liis  hand  to  lay  hold  of  the  pro- 
phet, what  happened  ? 

A.  It  was  dried  up ;  but 
was  restored  at  the  prayer  of 
the  prophet. 

Q.  Why  did  not  the  prophet 
go  home  with  the  king  ? 

A.  Because  the  Lord  had 
told  him  not  to  stay  there. 

Q.  Wliat  happened  to  him 
when  he  disobeyed  the  Lord 
through  the  influence  of  an  old 
prophet  ? 

A.  lie  was  killed  by  a  lion. 

Q.  Did  Jeroboam  repent  of 
his  sins  ? 

A.  He  did  not ;  but  he 
made  Israel  to  sin. 

Q.  When  his  son  Abijah  was 
eick,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Sent  his  wife  to  consult 
Vol.  I.-^ 


Ahij  ah  the  prophet.  1  Kings 
xiv. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  him? 

A.  That  the  child  should 
die. 

Q.  Did  he  die  ? 

A.  He  did ;  and  Israel 
mourned  for  him  because  he 
was  good,  though  his  father 
was  bad. 

Q.  How  long  did  Jeroboam 
reign  over  Israel? 

A.  Twenty-two  years. 

Q.  Wliat  happened  in  the  fifth 
year  of  Rchoboam's  reign? 

A.  Shishak,  king  of  Egypt, 
came  up  and  plundered  the 
temple. 

Q.  How  long  did  Rehoboam 
reign  over  Judah? 

A.  Seventeen  years. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  Rchoboam's 
successor,  Abijam? 

A.  He  reigned  three  years, 
and  was  as  bad  as  his  father. 
1  Kings  XV. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  Abijam's 
son,  Asa? 

A.  He  reigned  forty-one 
years,  and  did  right,  like  Da- 
vid. 

Q.  But  did  he  not  do  wrong 
when  he  took  the  treasures  of 
the  temple  and  palace  and  gave 
them  to  Ben-hadad,  king  of  Sy- 
ria, to  get  him  to  help  him 
against  Baasha? 

A.  He  did. 


66 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Wlio  succeeded  Asa? 
A.  Jehoshaphat,  his  son. 
Q.  Wlio  was  Baasha  ? 
A.  The  successor  of  Na- 
dab,  sou  of  Jeroboam. 

Q.  Wliat  did  he  do  to  become 
kiug  of  Israel  ? 

A.  Killed  Nadab  and  all 
the  descendants  of  Jeroboam, 
as  Ahijah  had  prophesied. 

Q.  How  long  did  these  kings 
reigu? 

A.  Nadab  two  years,  and 
Baasha  twenty-four. 

Q.  How  long  did  Baasha's  son 
Elah  reign? 

A.  Two  years.  1  Kings 
xvi. 

Q.  What  happened  then? 

A.  His  servant  Zimri  killed 
him  while  he  was  drunk. 

Q.  What  prophecy  was  ful- 
filled when  Zimri  killed  Elah  and 
all  the  family  of  Baasha  ? 

A.  The  prophecy  of  Jehu. 

Q.  How  long  did  Zimri  reign? 

A.  Seven  days. 


Q.  When  the  people  made 
Orari  king;  and  besieged  Tirzah, 
the  royal  city,  what  did  Zimri 
do? 

A.  Burnt  his  house  over 
him,  and  died. 

Q.  WhatdidOmrido? 

A.  Bought  a  hill  of  She- 
mer,  and  built  on  it  the  royal 
city  of  Samaria. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Twelve  years. 

Q.  What  was  his  character? 

A.  He  was  very  wicked. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Omri? 

A.  Ahab. 

Q.  Who  was  Ahab's  wife? 

A.  Jezebel,  daughter  of 
Ethbaal,  king  of  the  Zido- 
nians. 

Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  was  worse  than  all 
the  kings  that  went  before 
him. 

Q.  What  happened  in  his  day  ? 

A.  Hiel  rebuilt  Jericho, 
as  Joshua  had  predicted. 
Josh.  vi.  26. 


LESSON   XLII. 


Q.  What  prophet  lived  during 
Ahak's  reign? 

A.  Elijah  the  Tishbite.  1 
Kings  xvii. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  Ahab  ? 

A.  That  there  should  be 
no  rain  for  a  long  time. 


Q.  What  did  Elijah  do  during 
the  drought? 

A.  Went  to  the  brook  Che- 
rith. 

Q.    What  happened   to   him 
there  ? 
A.  The  ravens  fed  him. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


67 


Q.  When  the  brook  dried  up, 
what  did  he  do? 

A.  God  sent  him  to  Zare- 
phath  to  be  sustained  by  a 
widow. 

Q.  'VMiat  had  she  ? 

A.  A  handful  of  meal  and 
a  little  oil. 

Q.  How  did  this  support  them? 

A.  God  increased  it  by  a 
miracle. 

Q.  What  other  miracle  did  he 
worli  by  Elijah? 

A.  Raised  to  life  her  son 
when  he  died. 

Q.  When  Elijah  went  to  tell 
Ahab  it  was  going  to  rain,  whom 
did  he  meet? 

A.  Obadiah,  Ahab's  stew- 
ard.    1  Kings  xviii. 

Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  feared  the  Lord, 
and  supported  his  prophets 
when  Jezebel  tried  to  kill 
them. 

Q.  When  Ahab  saw  Elijah, 
what  did  he  say  to  him? 

A.  Art  thou  he  that  trou- 
bleth  Israel ? 

Q.  What  did  Elijah  reply? 

A.  I  have  not  troubled 
Israel ;  but  thou  and  thy 
father's  house,  by  worship- 
ping Baal. 

Q.  Why  did  Elijah  get  Ahab 
to  call  the  eight  hundred  and 
fifty  false  prophets  to  Mount 
Carmel  ? 

A.  That  he  might  prove  to 
the  people  that  the  Lord  is 
God. 


Q.  What  did  he  say  to  the 
people? 

A.  How  long  halt  ye  be- 
tween two  opinions  ?  If  the 
Lord  be  God,  follow  him ; 
but  if  Baal,  then  follow 
him. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  the  pro- 
phets of  Baal  to  do? 

A.  Put  a  bullock  on  an 
altar,  and  call  on  Baal  to 
consume  it  by  fire. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  he  would 
do? 

A.  Put  a  bullock  on  an 
altar,  and  call  on  the  Lord 
to  consume  it  by  fire. 

Q.  On  what  did  they  all  agree  ? 

A.  That  the  God  that  an- 
swered by  fire  should  bt; 
God. 

Q.  ^Vhat  was  the  result  ? 

A.  BaaFs  prophets  could 
not  get  their  god  to  hear 
them ;  but  the  Lord  burnt 
up  Elijah's  sacrifice  with  fire 
from  heaven. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  to  show 
them  that  there  was  no  fire  put 
about  the  altar? 

A.  Caused  twelve  barrels 
of  water  to  be  poured  on  it. 

Q.  Where  did  he  get  so  much 
water  in  that  time  of  drought  ? 

A.  It  was  probably  salt 
water,  as  Carmel  is  near  the 
Mediterranean  Sea. 

Q.  What  did  the  people  say 
when  they  saw  the  fire  ? 

A.  The  Lord,  he  is  God: 
the  Lord,  he  is  God. 


G8 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  "What  did  Elijah  do  with  the 
false  prophets? 

A.  Killed  them  according 
to  the  command  of  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  Went  up  to  the  top  of 
Carmel  and  prayed. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  his  seiTant 
to  do  ? 


A.  Go  seven  times  to  look 
toward^  the  sea. 

Q.  "VMiat  did  he  see  the  sev- 
enth time  ? 

A.   A  little  cloud,  like  a 
man's  hand. 

Q.  What  speedily  followed 
A.  A  great  rain. 


LESSON   XLIII. 


Q.  What  did  Jezebel  do  when 
she  heard  that  her  prophets  were 
slain? 

A.  Sought  to  kill  Elijah. 
1  Kings  xix. 

Q.  What  did  Elijah  do? 

A.  Went  into  the  wilder- 
ness. 

Q.  Wlio  found  him  there  ? 

A.  An  angel,  who  gave 
him  food,  and  sent  him  to 
Mount  Iloreb. 

Q.  What  happened  there  ? 

A.  A  great  and  strong  wind 
rent  the  mountains,  and  broke 
in  pieces  the  rocks  before  the 
Lord. 

Q.  Was  the  Lord  in  the  wind  ? 

A  No ;  nor  in  the  earth- 
quake and  fire  which  fol- 
lowed. 

Q.  What  then  did  Elijah  hear  ? 

A.  A  still  small  voice. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Wrapped  his  face  in 
his  mantle. 


Q.  "What  did  the  voice  say  to 
him? 

A.  What  doest  thou  here, 
Elijah? 

Q.  ^VTien  he  said  that  he  had 
been  very  jealous  for  the  Lord, 
because  the  children  of  Israel 
had  gone  into  idolatry  and  killed 
all  the  Lord's  prophets  excejjt 
liimself,  what  did  the  Lord  tell 
him  to  do? 

A.  Anoint  Ilazael  king  of 
Syria,  Jehu  king  of  Israel, 
and  Elisha  prophet  in  his 
room. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  him? 

A.  That  there  were  seven 
thousand  in  Israel  who  did 
not  worship  Baal. 

Q.  When  he  departed,  what 
took  place? 

A.  lie  found  Elisha  plough- 
ing with  twelve  yoke  of  oxen, 
and  he  cast  his  mantle  on 
him. 

Q.  ^^Tiat  did  Elisha  do  ? 

A.  Went  after  Elijah,  and 
ministered  to  him. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


69 


Q.  Wlien  Benhadad,  king  of 
Bji'ia,  sent  word  to  Aliab,  king 
of  Israel,  that  he  was  going  to 
take  from  i)'m  wliatovcr  he 
pleased,  whal  liid  Ahab  say  ? 

A.  Let  not  him  that  gird- 
eth  on  his  harness  boast  him- 
self as  he  that  putteth  it  off. 
1  Kings  XX. 

Q.    When    Benhadad     came 


against    him,    what    did    Ahab 
do? 

A.  Went  out  and  slew  one 
hundred  thousand  Syrians, 
and  Benhadad  fled. 

Q.  ^\Tiy  did  the  Lord  deliver 
them  into  Ahab's  hands? 

A.  Because  they  said,  The 
Lord  is  God  of  the  hills,  but 
not  of  the  valleys. 


LESSON   XLIV. 


Q.  When  Ahab  coveted  Na- 
both's  vineyard,  and  Naboth 
wonld  not  give  it  to  him,  what 
took  place  ? 

A.  Jezebel  got  Naboth 
stoned  to  death,  and  then 
Ahab  took  his  vineyard.  1 
Kings  xxi. 

Q.  What  did  God  tell  Elijah  to 
say  to  him  for  this? 

A.  In  the  place  where  the 
dogs  licked  the  blood  of  Na- 
both, shall  dogs  lick  thy 
blood,  even  thine. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  say  of 
Jezebel? 

A.  The  dogs  shall  eat  Jez- 
ebel by  the  wall  of  Jezreel. 

Q.  Wliat  did  he  say  of  Ahab's 
posterity? 

A.  They  should  all  be  cut 
off. 

Q.  What,was  the  character  of 
Ahab? 

A.  Hesoldhimself  to  work 
wickedness. 

Q.  When  Ahab  heard  the 
Lord's  threatenings,  what  did 
he  do? 


A.  Humbled  himself. 

Q.  Did  God,  because  of  this, 
defer  the  judgments  threat- 
ened? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  "V\Tio  went  up  with  Ahab 
to  fight  with  the  Syrians  at  Ra- 
moth-gilead? 

A.  Jehoshaphat,  king  of 
Judah.     1  Kings  xxii. 

Q.  Who  advised  them  to  go  ? 

A.  About  four  hundred 
false  prophets. 

Q.  Who  told  them  they  should 
not  succeed? 

A.  Micaiah,  the  prophet 
of  the  Lord. 

Q.  ^^Tiat  did  Ahab  do  to  him 
for  this? 

A.  Ordered  him  to  be  put 
in  prison. 

Q.  "WTiat  happened  in  the  war  ? 

A.  A  man  drew  a  bow  at 
a  venture  and  shot  Ahab. 

Q.  Where  did  he  die  ? 

A.  In  Samaria;  and  the 
dogs  licked  up  his  blood  as 
it  Sowed  from  his  chariot. 


70 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


Q.  Wlio  succeeded  him? 
A.  Ahaziah,  his  son. 

Q.  When  he  wanted  his  ser- 
vants to  go  in  the  sliips  which 
Jehoshaphat  sent  to  Ophir  for 
gold,  would  Jehoshaphat  let 
them  go? 

A.  He  would  not. 

Q.  Who  had  reproved  him  for 
joining  with  the  wicked? 

A.  Jehu,  the  prophet.  2 
Chron.  xix.  2. 


Q.  How  long  did  Jehoshaphat 

reign? 

A.  T-\venty-five  years. 

Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  did  that  which  was 
right  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord. 

Q.  What  was  the  character  of 
Ahaziah  ? 

A.  He  was  wicked,  like  his 
father  and  mother. 


LESSON   XLV. 


Q.  When  Ahaziah  was  sick, 
what  did  he  do? 

A.  Sent  to  Baal-zebub,  god 
of  Ekron,  to  inquire  if  he 
should  recover.     2  Kings  i. 

Q.  Wlien,  by  the  direction  of 
an  angel,  Elijah  met  the  messen- 
gers and  told  them  the  king 
should  die,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Sent  fifty  men  with  a 
captain  to  take  him. 

Q.  Wliat  happened  to  them? 

A.  At  the  word  of  Elijah 
fire  from  heaven  consumed 
them. 

Q.  After  another  captain  with 
his  fifty  had  been  in  like  manner 
consumed,  what  did  Elijah  do? 

A.  Went  with  the  third 
captain,  who  humbly  be- 
sought him  to  go. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  the  king  ? 
A.  That  he  should  die,  and 
he  did  die. 

Q.  When  the  Lord  would  take 


up  Elijah  to  heaven  by  a  whirl- 
wind, what  did  Elisha  do  ? 

A.  Went  with  him  from 
Gilgal  to  Bethel.  2  Kings  ii. 

Q.  Did  the  sons  of  the  pro- 
phets at  Bethel  know  that  Elijah 
Avas  going  to  be  taken  up  ? 

A.  They  did. 

Q.  Wlien  Elijah  told  Elisha  to 
stay  at  Bethel,  did  he  do  it? 

A.  No  :  he  went  with  him 
to  Jericho. 

Q.  Did  the  sons  of  the  pro- 
phets at  Jericho  know  that  Elijah 
was  going  to  be  taken  up  ? 

A.  They  did  ;  and  fifty  of 
them  stood  to  view  afar  ofi". 

Q.  How  did  Elijah  and  Elisha 
cross  the  Jordan  ? 

A.  Elijah  divided  the  wa- 
ters with  his  mantle. 

Q.  What  did  Elisha  ask  of  Eli- 
jah? 

A.  A  double  portipn  of  his 
spirit. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


71 


Q.  What  did  Elijah  gay? 
A.  He  should  have  it,  if  he 
saw  him  ascend. 

Q.  While  they  went  on  and 
talked,  what  took  place  ? 

A.  A  chariot  of  fire  and 
horses  of  fire  parted  them, 
and  Elij  ah  went  up  by  a  whirl- 
wind into  heaven. 

Q.  DidElishaseeit? 

A.  He  did  ;  and  cried,  My 
father,  my  father,  the  cha- 
riot of  Israel,  and  the  horse- 
men thereof. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Rent  his  clothes. 

Q  What  did  he  take  up  ? 

A.  The  mantle  of  Elijah 
that  fell  from  him. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  it? 

A.  Smote  the  waters  of 
Jordan,  and  said,  Where  is 
the  Lord  God  of  Elijah? 

Q.  Did  the  waters  divide  ? 

A.  They  did,  and  he  passed 


Q.  What  did  the  sons  of  the 
prophets  say  ? 

A.  The  spirit  of  Elijah  doth 
rest  on  Elisha. 

Q.  What  did  they  do? 

A.  Sent  fifty  men  to  search 
for  Elijah. 

Q.  Did  Elisha  want  them  to  go? 

A.  No. 

Q.   After  three  days'  search, 
did  they  find  Elijah? 
A.  No. 

Q.  What  miracle  did  Elisha 
perform  at  Jericho  ? 

A.  Healed  the  waters  and 
land  by  casting  salt  into  the 
fountain. 

Q.  What  happened  to  forty- 
two  young  persons  who  mocked 
him,  saying.  Go  up,  thou  bald- 
head? 

A.  At  his  word,  two  she- 
bears  came  out  of  the  wood 
and  tore  them. 

Q.  Whither  did  he  then  go  ? 

A.  To  Mount  Carmel,  and 
then  to  Samaria. 


LESSON    XLVI. 


Q.  Who  succeeded  Ahaziah, 
in  the  eighteenth  year  of  Jehosh- 
aphat  ? 

A.  Jehoram,  son  of  Ahab. 
2  Kings  iii. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign  over 
Israel? 

A.  Twelve  years. 

Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.    He  worshipped   Jero- 


boam's calves,  but  he  did  not 
worship  Baal,  like  Ahab. 

Q.  Who  rebelled  against  him  ? 

A.  Mesha,  king  of  Moab. 

Q.  When  he,  Jehoshaphat,  and 
the  king  of  Edom,  went  up  to 
fight  against  the  Moabites,  what 
happened? 

A.  They  were  likely  to  die 
for  want  of  water. 


iz 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  When  Jehoshapliat inquired 
for  a  pro]ih<'t,  wluit  did  Jeho- 
raui's  servant  say '( 

A.  Here  is  Elisha,  the  son 
of  Shaphat,  which  poured 
water  on  the  hands  of  Elijah. 

Q.  ^NTiat  did  lie  mean  by  that? 

A.  That  he  waited  on  him. 

Q.  Did  Elisha  procure  water 
for  them  ? 

A.  He  did ;  but  he  said  he 
would  not  have  done  it  for 
Jehoram,  if  Jehoshaphat  had 
not  been  there. 

Q.  When  the  king  of  Moab  was 
about  to  be  conquered,  what  did 
he  do  ? 

A.  Offered  his  eldest  son 
as  a  burnt-offering. 

Q.  When  a  prophet's  widow 
was  likely  to  liave  her  two  sons 
sold  for  debt,  what  did  Elisha  do  ? 

A.  Increased  her  pot  of 
oil,  so  that  she  had  enough 
to  sell  to  pay  her  debt  and  to 
live  on  besides.     2  Kings  iv. 

Q.  What  did  a  woman  of 
Shunem  do  for  him? 

A.  Made  him  a  chamber, 
and  put  in  it  a  bed,  a  table, 
a  stool,  and  a  candlestick. 

Q.  When  she  had  been  reward- 
ed by  the  gift  of  a  son,  and  the 
child  died,  what  did  Elisha  do  ? 

A.  Prayed  to  the  Lord, 
who  restored  him  to  life. 

Q.  When  the  pottage  of  the 
sons  of  the  prophets  was  poi- 
soned by  wild  gourds,  what  did 
he  do? 

A.  Cast  meal'into  the  pot, 
and  there  was  no  harm  in 
the  pot. 


Q.  What  other  miracle  was 
wrought  at  his  word  ? 

A.  A  little  food  was  in- 
creased to  feed  a  multitude. 

Q,  When  Naaman,  the  Syrian 
captain,  had  the  leprosy,  Avho 
told  him  where  he  could  be 
cured  ? 

A.  A.  little  captive  Hebrew 
maid,  who  waited  on  Naa- 
man's  wife.     2  Kings  v. 

Q.  When  Naaman  went  to  Eli- 
sha to  be  cured,  what  did  the 
prophet  do? 

A.  Sent  him  word  to  wash 
seven  times  in  Jordan. 

Q.  What  effect  did  this  have 
on  Naaman  ? 

A.  Because  Elisha  did  not 
come  out  and  cure  him  on  the 
spot,  he  went  away  in  a 
rage. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  Are  not  Abana  and 
Pharpar,  rivers  of  Damascus, 
better  than  all  the  waters  of 
Israel  ?  May  I  not  wash  in 
them,  and  be  clean  ? 

Q.  Wlien  his  servants  said, 
My  father,  if  the  prophet  had 
bid  thee  do  some  great  thing, 
wouldest  thou  not  have  done  it? 
how  much  rather  then,  when  he 
saith  to  thee.  Wash,  and  be 
clean?  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Washed  in  Jordan,  and 
was  healed. 

Q.  What  did  Elisha  refuse  to 
receive  from  him? 

A.  A  present. 

Q.  What  did  Naaman  promise 
to  do? 

A.  Serve  the  Lord. 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


73 


Q.  "^Miat  did  Geliazi,  Elislia's 
servant,  do? 

A.  Ran  after  Naaman,  told 
him  a  lie,  and  got  a  present. 

Q.  When  his  master,  who 
knew  all  about  it,  said.  Whence 
comest  thou,  Gehazi?  what  did 
he  say? 

A.  Thy  servant  went  no 
whither. 

Q.  How  was  he  punished  at 
the  word  of  Elisha? 

A.  The  leprosy  of  Naa- 
man came  upon  him. 

Q.  When  one  of  the  sons  of 
the  prophets  let  his  axe,  which 
he  had  borrowed,  fall  into  the 
Jordan,  what  did  Elisha  do  ? 

A.  Cast  in  a  stick,  and  the 
iron  did  swim.     2  Kings  vi. 

Q.  When  the  King  of  Syria 
sent  an  army  to  take  Elisha,  and 
Elisha's  servant  was  afraid,  what 
took  place? 

A.  Elisha  prayed,  and  the 
Lord  opened  the  eyes  of  the 
young  man,  and  he  saw  that 
the  mountain  was  full  of 
horses  and  chariots  of  fire 
around  Elisha. 

Q.  When,  at  the  word  of 
Elisha,  the  Syrians  Avere  made 
blind,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Led  them  to  Samaria. 


Q.  Would  he  let  the  king  of 
Israel  smite  them  ? 

A.  No ;  but  he  had  them 
feasted  and  sent  home. 

Q.  What  happened  during  the 
siege  of  Samaria  by  the  Syrians  ? 

A.  A  great  famine,  in 
which  two  women  agreed  to 
eat  their  own  sons. 

Q.  What  complaint  did  one  of 
the  women  bring  to  the  king? 

A.  That  after  they  had 
boiled  and  eaten  her  son,  the 
other  woman  hid  hers. 

Q.  ^^Hiat  did  the  king  do  ? 

A.  Rent  his  clothes,  and 
said  he  would  kill  Elisha. 

Q.  Was  Elisha  the  cause  of  tlie 
famine  ? 

A.  No ;  but  he  said  the 
next  day  they  should  have 
food.     2  Kings  vii. 

Q.  How  did  they  get  it? 

A.  The  Lord  caused  the 
Syrians  to  flee  away  from 
their  camp,  where  there  was 
plenty  of  food. 

Q.  What  happened  to  a  lord 
who  had  disbelieved  the  pro- 
phecy of  Elisha  ? 

A.  He  was  trod  to  death 
by  the  people. 


LESSON    XLVII. 


Q.    Whither  did  Elisha  send 
the  Shunammite  woman  to  stay 
during  the  seven  years'  famine  ? 
^  A.  To  the  land  of  the  Phi- 
listines.    2  Kings  viii. 
7 


Q.  TNHien  Gehazi  was  telling 
the  king  about  Elisha's  restoring 
a  dead  body  to  life,  what  hap- 
pened? 

A.    The  woman  came  to 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


ask  the  king  for  her  house 
and  land. 

Q.  What  did  Gehazi  say  ? 

A.  This  is  the  woman,  and 
this  is  her  son  whom  Elisha 
restored  to  life. 

Q.  Did  the  king  cause  her  pro- 
perty to  be  restored? 
A.  He  did. 

Q.  When  Beu-hadad,  king  of 
Syria,  was  sick,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Sent  Ilazael  to  Elisha 
to  know  whether  or  not  he 
should  get  well. 

Q.  What  did  Hazael  say,  when 
Elisha  told  him  he  would  do  great 
evil  to  Israel  ? 

A.  But  what!  is  thy  ser- 
vant a  dog,  that  he  should  do 
this  great  thing  ? 

Q.  What  did  Elisha  say? 

A.  The  Lord  hath  showed 
me  that  thou  shalt  be  king 
over  Syria. 

Q.  Did  he  become  king? 

A.  Yes :  he  returned  and 
killed  Ben-hadad,  and  reign- 
ed in  his  stead. 

Q.  Wlio  succeeded  Jehosha- 
phat,  king  of  Judah  ? 

A.  Jehoram,  his  son. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Eight  years. 

Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  was  wicked,  like 
Ahab,  whose  daughter  he 
married. 

Q.  What  happened  in  his  days? 

A.  Edom  and  Libnah  re- 
volted from  him. 


Q.  Who  succeeded  Jehoram  ? 
A.  His  son,  Ahaziah. 
Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 
A.  One  year. 
Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 
A.  He  was  wicked,  like  his 
parents. 

Q.  Whom  did  Elisha  cause  to 
be  anointed  king  in  his  place  ? 
A.  Jehu,  son  of  Nimshi. 

Q.  When  Ahaziah  went  to  see 
Jehoram,  king  of  Israel,  at  his 
return  to  Jezreel,  to  be  healed  of 
the  wounds  the  Syrians  had  given 
him,  what  took  place  ? 

A.  Jehoram  was  killed  by 
Jehu,  and  thrown  out  to  the 
dogs  in  the  field  of  Naboth. 
2  Kings  ix. 

Q.  "What  became  of  Ahaziah?- 

A.  He  was  smitten  in  his 
chariot,  and  died  at  Megiddo. 

Q.  What  became  of  Jezebel? 

A.  She  was  thrown  out  of 
a  window  and  eaten  by  the 
dogs. 

Q.  Wliat  prophecy  Avas  thus 
fulhlled  ? 

A.  That  of  Elijah.  1  Kings 
xxi. 

Q.  How  was  it  further  ful- 
filled? 

A.  All  Ahab's  posterity,  J 
including  his  seventy  sons,  I 
were  put  to  death.  2  Kings  x. 

Q.  What  else  did  Jehu  do? 

A.  Killed  all  the  worship- 
pers of  Baal. 

Q.  Was  Jehu  a  good  man? 

A.  No:  he  worshipped 
Jeroboam's  calves. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


75 


Q.  How  long  did  he  reign  over 
Israel? 

A.  Twenty-eight  years. 
Q.  Who  reigned  in  his  stead? 
A.  His  son,  Jelioahaz. 


Q.  Who  smote  Israel  in  theso 
days? 

A.  Hazael,  as  Elisha  had 
foretold. 


LESSON    XLVIII. 


Q.  When  Athaliah,  mother  of 
Ahaziah,  saw  that  her  son  was 
dead,  what  did  she  do? 

A.  Killed  all  the  seed 
royal,  except  Joash,  Ahazi- 
ah's  son.     2  Kings  xi. 

Q.  What  became  of  him? 

A.  His  aunt  hid  him  and 
his  nurse  in  the  temple  six 
years. 

Q.  Wlien  he  was  seven  years 
old,  what  did  Jehoiada  do  to 
Joash? 

A.  Anointed  him  king. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  with 
Athaliah? 

A.  Slew  her  with  the 
sword. 

Q.  Howlongdid  Joash  reign? 

A.  Forty  years.  2  Kings 
xii.     2  Chron.  xxiv. 

Q.  Wliat  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  was  good  while 
Jehoiada  the  priest  lived. 

Q.  What  pious  act  did  he  per- 
form? 

A.  Repaired  the  temple. 

Q.  After  the  death  of  Jeho- 
iada, and  Joash  had  fallen  into 
idolatry,  and  killed  Jehoiada's 
son  for  reproving  him,  what  took 
place? 


A.  Hazael  came  up  against 
him,  and  Joash  gave  him  all 
the  treasures  of  the  temple 
and  palace. 

Q.  After  the  Syrians  left  him 
in  great  diseases,  what  hap- 
pened? 

A.  His  servants  killed 
him. 

Q.  How  long  did  Jehoahaz 
reign  over  Israel  ? 

A.  Seventeen  years.  2 
Kings  xiii. 

Q.  What  was  his  character? 

A.  He  was  wicked,  like 
Jeroboam. 

Q.  Vfhai  did  Hazael  do  to  the 
Israelites  during  his  reign? 

A.  Destroyed  them,  and 
made  them  like  the  dust  by 
threshing. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Jehoahaz? 
A.  Joash  or  Jehoash,  his 
son. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 
A.  Sixteen  years. 
Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 
A.  He  was  bad,  like  Jero- 
boam. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  lie  do  wlicn  Eli- 
Blia  was  sick? 

A.  Visited  him,  and  wept 
over  his  face. 

Q.  What  did  lie  saj^? 

A.  0  my  father,  my  father, 
the  chariot  of  Israel,  and  the 
horsemen  thereof. 

Q.  What  did  Elisha  tell  the 
king? 

'  A.  That  he  should  smite 
the  Syrians  three  times. 

-   ,Q.   After   Elisha    died,   what 
took  place? 

A.  The  Moahites  invaded 
the  land. 

Q.  When  a  dead  man  was  cast 
in  haste  into  Elisha's  grave, 
what  miracle  was  wrought? 

A.  The  man  came  to  life, 
and  stood  up  on  his  feet. 
Q.  Who  succeeded  Ilazael? 
A.  His  son,  Beu-hadad. 

Q.  What  took  place  while  he 
was  king  of  Syria? 

A.  Jehoash  beat  him  three 
times,  as  Elisha  had  foretold. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Joash, 
king  of  Judah? 

A.  His  son,  Amaziah.  2 
Kings  xiv. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Twenty-nine  years. 

Q.  What  was  his  character? 

A.  He  did  ri;;]it  in  the 
Bight  of  the  Lord,  yet  not 
like  David. 


Q.  "S^Tiat  did  he  do  with  his 
father's  murderers? 

A.  Slew  them,  but  not  their 
children. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  the 
Edomites? 

A.  Slew  ten  thousand,  and 
took  Selah  by  war. 

Q.  What  did  he  call  this  city? 

A.  Joktheel:  it  is  also 
called  Petra. 

Q.  When  he  became  vain  be- 
cause of  his  victory,  what  did  h© 
do? 

A.  Went  to  fight  with  Je- 
hoash, king  of  Israel,  and 
got  beaten. 

Q.  "\Miat  finally  became  of 
him? 

A.  He  was  killed  by  con- 
spirators. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Jehoash, 
king  of  Israel? 

A.  His  son,  Jeroboam  the 
second. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Forty-one  years. 

Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  was  bad,  like  Jero 
boam  the  first. 

Q.  Was  he  a  warlike  king  ? 

A.  He  was ;  and  he  re- 
stored the  coast  of  Israel. 

Q.  Who  had  foretold  this? 

A.  Jonah,  the  prophet. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


77 


LESSON    XLIX. 


Q.  Who  succeeded  Joasli, 
king  of  Judah? 

A.  His  son,  Azariah,  or 
Uzziah.  2  Kings  xv. :  2 
Chron.  xxvi. 

Q.  How  old  was  he  when  he 
"began  to  reign? 

A.  Sixteen  years,  and  he 
reigned  fifty-two. 

Q.  What  was  his  character? 

A.  He  did  that  which  was 
right  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord, 
like  Amaziah. 

Q.  When  he  presumed  to  burn 
incense  on  the  altar,  what  hap- 
j)ened  to  him? 

A.  He  was  struck  with 
leprosy. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Jeroboam, 
king  of  Israel  ? 

A.  'His  son,  Zachariah. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Six  months. 

Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  was  bad,  like  Jero- 
boam. 

Q.  What  became  of  him? 

A.  Shallum  killed  him, 
and  reigned  in  his  stead. 

Q.  What  prophecy  was  now 
fulfilled? 

A.  That  made  to  Jehu, 
Thy  sons  shall  sit  on  the 
throne  of  Israel  unto  the 
fourth  generation.  2  Kings 
X.  30. 

Q.  How  long  did  Shallum 
reign? 


A.  A  full  month. 
Q.  What  became  of  him? 
A.  Menahem  killed  him, 
and  reigned  in  his  stead. 

Q.  What  did  Menahem  do 
when  Pul,  king  of  Assyria, 
came  against  him? 

A.  Gave  him  a  thousand 
talents  of  silver  to  get  rid  of 
him. 

Q.  How  long  did  Menaheni 
reign? 

A.  Ten  years. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  him? 

A.  His  son,  Pekahiah. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Two  years. 

Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  was  bad,  like  Jero- 
boam. 

Q.  What  became  of  Pekahiah? 

A.  Pekah  killed  him,  and 
reigned  in  his  stead. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 
A.  Twenty  years. 
Q,  What  was  his  character  ? 
A.  He  was  bad,  like  Jero- 
boam. 

Q.  What  happened  in  his 
reign? 

A.  Tiglath-pileser,  king  of 
Assyria,  carried  many  of  the 
Israelites  into  captivity. 

Q.  What  became  of  Pekah? 
A.  Hoshea  killed  him,  and 
reigned  in  his  stead. 


78 


SCRIPTURE   CATJPCHISM. 


Q.  Who  snccecdefl  Azariali, 
or  Uzziali,  king  of  Judah? 

A.  llis  son,  Jotham. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Sixteen  years. 

Q.  "WTiat  was  his  charactei*? 

A.  He  (lid  that  which  was 
right  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord, 
like  his  father. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Jotham? 

A.  Ahaz,  his  son.  2  Kings 
xvi. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Sixteen  years. 

Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  was  as  bad  as  the 
kings  of  Israel. 

Q.  What  abominable  thing  did 
he  do? 

A.  Made  his  son  pass 
through  the  fire  in  honor  of 
an  idol. 

Q.  When  the  kings  of  Syria 
and  of  Israel  came  against  him, 
what  did  he  give  tiie  king  of 
Assyria  to  secure  his  aid? 

A.  The  silver  and  gold  of 
the  temple  and  palace. 

Q.  How  long  did  Hoshea  reign 
over  Israel? 


A.  Nine  years.  2  Kings 
xvii. 

Q.  What  was  his  character? 

A.  He  was  wicked,  but 
not  as  bad  as  the  kings  that 
Avent  before  him. 

Q.  What  happened  during  his 
reign? 

A.  Shalmaneser,  king  of 
Assyria,  carried  Israel  into 
captivity. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  put  in  their 
stead? 

A.  Men  from  Babylon  and 
other  places. 

Q.  When  lions  killed  some  of 
these  strangers,  because  they 
feared  not  the  Lord,  what  did 
they  do? 

A.  Got  a  priest  to  teach 
them  hoAv  they  should  fear 
the  Lord. 

Q.  What  did  they  and  their 
posterity  do? 

A.  Feared  the  Lord,  and 
served  graven  images. 

Q.  Was  Hoshea  the  last  king 
of  Israel? 

A.  He  was. 


LESSON   L. 


Q.  Who  succeeded  Ahaz,  king 
of  Judah? 

A.  His  son,  Ilezekiah.  2 
Kings  xviii. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Twenty-nine  years. 


Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  did  that  which  was 
right  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord, 
like  David. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  the 
brazen  sei-pent  that  Moses  had 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


79 


made,  aud  wliich  the  Israelites 
worshiiiped? 

A.  Broke  it  in  pieces. 

Q.  Wlieu  Sennacherib,  king  of 
Assyria,  came  against  him,  what 
did  he  do  ? 

A.  Gave  him  the  treasures 
of  the  temple  and  palace, 
which  he  ought  not  to  have 
done. 

Q.  When  Rab-shakeh,  the  As- 
syrian oflficer,  came  to  Jerusa- 
lem, and,  with  insult  and  blas- 
phemy, threatened  to  take  it, 
what  did  Hezekiah  do? 

A.  Prayed  before  the  Lord. 
2  Kings  xix. 

Q.  \Miat  did  the  Lord  do? 

A.  Sent  him  Isaiah  the 
prophet,  assuring  him  of 
safety. 

Q.  How  did  he  save  him  ? 

A.  An  angel  smote  one 
hundred  and  eighty-five  thou- 
sand in  the  camp  of  the  As- 
syrians. 

Q.  What  became  of  Senna- 
cherib ? 

A.  His  sons  killed  him 
while  he  was  worshipping 
his  god  Nisroch,  at  Nineveh. 

Q.  When  Hezekiah  was  sick 
unto  death,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Prayed  for  recovery.  2 
Kings  XX. 

Q.  What  was  the  result? 

A.  Isaiah  came  to  him  and 
told  him  he  should  live  fif- 
teen years  longer. 

Q.  What  sign  was  given  to 
assure  him  of  his  recovery? 

A.  The  shadow  went  back 


ten  degrees   in  the  dial  of 
Ahaz. 

Q.  ■\^Tien  Berodach-baladan 
sent  messengers  to  him  from 
Babylon,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Showed  them  all  his 
treasures. 

Q.  What  did  Isaiah  tell  him 
afterward  ? 

A.  That  all  of  his  trea- 
sures, and  his  posterity  too, 
should  be  carried  to  Babylon. 

Q.  What  public  works  did 
Hezekiah  construct? 

A.  A  pool,  and  a  conduit 
to  bring  water  into  Jerusalem. 
Q.  Who  succeeded  Hezekiah? 
A.  Manasseh,  his  son. 

Q.  How  old  was  he  when  he 
began  to  reign? 

A.  Twelve  years ;  and  he 
reigned  fifty-five.  2  Kings 
xxi. 

Q.  T\laat  was  his  character  ? 

A.  He  was  worse  than 
Ahab,  or  the  Amorites. 

Q.  Did  he  ever  repent? 

A.  Yes,  when  a  captive  in 
Babylon.     2  Chron.  xxxiii. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  him? 

A.  Amon,  his  son. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign  ? 

A.  Two  years. 

Q.  What  was  his  character? 

A.  He  was  as  bad  as  his 
father,  but  did  not,  like  him, 
repent. 

Q.  What  became  of  Amon  ? 

A.  His  servants  killed 
him. 


80 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 

LESSON    LI. 


Q.  Who  succeeded  Anion? 
A.    Ilis    son    Josiah.      2 
Kings  xxii. 

Q.  How  old  was  lie  wlien  lie 
began  to  reign? 

A.  Eight  years ;  and  he 
reigned  tiiirty-one. 

Q.  Wliat  was  his  character  ? 
A.     He    was    good,    like 
David. 

Q.  When  the  book  of  the  law 
was  found  and  read  to  him,  what 
did  he  do? 

A.  Renewed  the  covenant, 
and  put  down  idolatry.  2 
Kings  xxiii. 

Q.  Wlmt  did  he  do  with  Jero- 
boam's altar? 

A.  Burnt  men's  bones 
upon  it,  as  had  been  fore- 
told.    1  Kings  xiii.  2. 

Q.  What  became  of  him? 
A.  He  was  killed  by  Pha- 
raoh-nechoh,  king  of  Egypt. 

Q.  Ought  he  to  have  gone  out 
to  light  with  him  when  the  pro- 
phet told  him  not  to  do  so? 

A.  He  ought  not. 
Q.  Who  lamented  his  death? 
A.  Jeremiah,  and  all  the 
people.     2  Chron.  xxxv. 

Q.  "Wlio  succeeded  Josiah? 
A.  Jehoahaz,  his  sou. 
Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 
A.  Three  months. 
Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 
A.  Very  bad. 


Q.  What  did  Pharoah-nechoh 
do  with  liim? 

A.  Put  him  in  bands  at 
Ril)lah,  and  then  carried  him 
to  Egypt,  where  he  died. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  him  as 
tributary  to  Pharaoh-nechoh? 

A.  Eliakim,  or  Jehoiakim, 
brother  of  Jehoahaz. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A,  Eleven  years. 

Q.  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  Very  bad. 

Q.  What  became  of  him? 

A.  He  was  subdued  by 
Nebuchadnezzar.  2  Kings 
xxiv. 

Q.  Who  succeeded  Jehoiakim? 

A.  His  son,  Jehoiachin. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  reign? 

A.  Three  months. 

Q.  What  was  his  character? 

A.  Very  bad. 

Q.  What  became  of  him,  and 
his  chief  men,  and  the  treasures 
of  the  palace  and  temple  ? 

A.  Nebuchadnezzar  car- 
ried them  to  Babylon. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  make  king  in 
his  stead? 

A.  His  father's  brother, 
Mattaniah,  whom  he  called 
Zedekiah. 

Q.    How  long    did  Zedekiah 

reign  ? 

A.  Eleven  years. 

Q.  AVhat  was  his  character? 

A.  Very  bad. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


81 


Q.  Wliat  became  of  liim? 

A.  After  his  sons  were 
killed,  his  eyes  vf  ere  put  out, 
and  he  was  carried  to  Baby- 
lon, where  he  '"  " 
XXV.     Jer.  li. 

Q,  What  did  Nebuchadnezzar 
do  with  Jerusalem  aud  the  tem- 
ple? 

A.  Burnt  them,  and  car- 
ried to  Babylon  the  sacred 


Q.  Whom  did  he  leave  in  the 
land  of  Judah? 

A.  The  poor,  to  cultivate 
ihe  ground. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  place  over 
them? 


A.  Gedaliah,  the  son  of 
Ahikani,  as  governor. 

Q.  "\^Tiat  became  of  him? 

A.  Ishmael,  the  son  of 
Nethaniah,  killed  him. 

Q.  WTiat  did  the  people  then 
do? 

A.  Went  to  Egypt. 

Q.  Was  Zedekiah  the  last 
king:  that  reigned  on  the  throne 
of  David  ? 

A.  He  was. 

Q.  How  lonjT  was  It  from  the 
time  that  David  began  to  reigu 
till  Zedekiah  was  carried  into 
captivity? 

A.  Four  hundred  and 
sixty-eight  years. 


LESSON   LII. 


Q,    What  are  the  thirteenth 
,nd   fourteenth   books    of    the 
ble? 

A.    The   first   and  second 
.  books  of  the  Chronicles. 
Q.  Why  are  they  so  called  ? 
A.   Because   they  contain 
liisrurical  records. 

Q.  Is  the  substance  of  them 
contained  in  preceding  books  ? 

A.    Yes ;    but    there    are 
some  things  in  the  Chronicles 
not  found  elsewhere. 
I       Q.  What  is  said  of  Jabez  ? 

A.  That  he  was  more  hon- 
,  orable  than  his  brethren.     1 
Chron.  iv. 

Q.  What  was  his  prayer  ? 
A.   0  that'  thou  wouldst 


bless  me  indeed,  and  errlarge 
my  coast,  and  that  thine 
hand  might  be  with  me,  and 
that  thou  wouldst  keep  me 
from  evil,  that  it  may  not 
grieve  me. 

Q.  Did  God  grant  him  his  re- 
quest? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  When  David  was  not  al- 
lowed to  build  the  temple,  what 
did  he  do  for  it  ? 

A.  Made  a  great  provi- 
sion of  every  thing  for  it.  1 
Chron.  xxii. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  the 
Levites? 

A.  Divided  them  intc 
courses.    1  Chron.  xxiii. 


82 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  lie  do  witli  the 
priests  ? 

A.  Divided  them  into 
twenty-five  orders.  1  Chron. 
xxiv. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  the 
two  hundred  and  eighty- eight 
singers  and  musicians? 

A.  Divided  them  into 
twenty-four  orders.   1  Chron. 

XXV. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  with  the 
porters? 

A.  Assigned  them  to  the 
various  wards.  1  Chron.  xxvi. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  appoint  over 
temporal  affairs? 

A.  Officers  and  judges. 

Q.  How  many  captains  had  he  ? 

A.  Twelve;  each  with 
twenty -four  thousand  men, 
serving  a  month  at  a  time. 
1  Chron.  xxvii. 

Q.  How  many  princes  of  the 
tribes? 

A.  Thirteen. 

Q.  Among  his  other  officers, 
who  were  most  distinguished  ? 


A.  Ahithophel,  his  coun- 
seller,  and  Joab,  his  general. 

Q.  What  was  David's  dying- 
charge  to  Solomon? 

A.  And  thou,  Solomon,  my 
son,  know  thou  the  God  of 
thy  father,  and  serve  hira 
with  a  perfect  heart,  and  with' 
a  willing  mind  ;  for  the  Lord 
searcheth  all  hearts,  and  un- 
derstandeth  all  the  imagina- 
tions of  the  thoughts :  if 
thou  seek  him,  he  will  be 
found  of  thee ;  but  if  thou 
forsake  him,  he  will  cast 
thee  off  for  ever.  1  Chron. 
xxviii. 

Q.  When  he  gave  him  the  plan 
of  the  temple  and  its  vessels, 
from  whom  did  he  say  he  re- 
ceived it  ? 

A.  From  the  Lord. 

Q.  'When  he  made  his  offer- 
ings for  the  temple,  what  did  he 
do? 

A.  Blessed  the  Lord,  and 
said.  Of  thine  own  have  we 
given  thee.     1  Chron.  xxix. 


LESSON   LIII. 


Q.  What  are  the  fifteenth  and 
sixteenth  books  of  the  Bible? 

A.  The  books  of  Ezra  and 
Nehemiah. 

Q.  Of  what  do  they  treat? 
A.   Of  the  return  of  the 
Jews  from  Babylon. 

Q.  What  king  permitted  them 
to  rsturn? 


A.  Cyrus,  king  of  Persia. 
Ezra  i. 

Q.  Who  conducted  them  back? 

A.  Sheshbazzar,  the  prince 
of  Judah. 

Q.  What  did  he  carry  back 
with  him  ? 

A.  The  vessels  of  the  tem- 
ple. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


83 


Q.  How  many  Jews  returned  ? 

A.  Forty -two  thousand 
three  hundred  and  sixty,  be- 
side servants.     Ezra  ii. 

Q.  When  the  foundation  of 
the  temple  was  laid,  what  took 
place  ? 

A.  Those  who  had  seen 
the  first  temple  wept,  and 
the  rest  shouted.     Ezra  iii. 

Q.  By  whom  was  the  huilding 
hindered? 

A.  By  Artaxerxes,  at  the 
suggestion  of  the  Samaritans. 
Ezra  iv. 

Q.  Who  renewed  the  huilding? 

A.  Zerubbabeland  Jeshua, 
incited  by  Haggai  and  Zech- 
ariah.     Ezra  v. 

Q.  Under  what  king  was  it 
finished  and  dedicated? 
A.  Darius.     Ezra  vi. 

Q.  By  what  king  was  it  en- 
dowed and  beautilied? 
A.  Artaxerxes.     Ezra  vii. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  commission 
to  complete  the  work? 

A.  Ezra,  a  learned  scribe, 
author  of  the  book  of  Ezra. 

Q.  Who  came  after  him? 
A.  Nehemiah,  cup-bearer 
to  Artaxerxes.     Neh.  i. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Incited  the  Jews  to 
build  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 
Neh.  ii. 


Q.  What  is  said  to  the  re- 
proach of  the  nobles? 

A.  They  put  not  their 
necks  to  the  work  of  their 
Lord.     Neh,  iii. 

Q.  When  the  enemies  ridi- 
culed them,  fought  against  them, 
and  tried  to  ensnare" them,  what 
did  they  do  ? 

A.  Prayed,  watched,  and 
worked  till  the  walls  were 
finished.     Neh.  iv.-vi. 

Q.  What  did  Ezra  do  ? 

A.  Got  upon  a  pulpit  with 
the  Levites,  and  they  read 
and  explained  the  law  to  the 
people.     Neh.  viii. 

Q.  What  great  feast  did  they 
hold? 

A.  The  feast  of  taberna- 
cles. 

Q.  After  the  feast,  what  did 
they  have  ? 

A.  A  fast,  during  which 
they  made  a  solemn  confes- 
sion of  their  sins,  and  renew- 
ed their  covenant  with  God. 
Neh.  X.,  xi. 

Q.  What  other  good  work  did 
Nehemiah  perform? 

A.  Reformed  abuses  in  the 
temple,  and  enforced  the  ol> 
servance  of  the  Sabbath. 
Neh.  xiii. 

Q.  How  does  he  close  his 
book? 

A.  Remember  me,  0  my 
God,  for  good. 


84 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


LESSON    LIV. 


Q.  "What  is  the  seveuteentli 
book  of  the  Bible  ? 

A.  The  book  of  Esther. 

Q.  With  what  does  it  begin? 

A.  An  account  of  a  feast 
made  by  Ahasuerus,  king  of 
Persia  and  Media.    Esth.  i. 

Q.  When  Vashti,  his  qnceu, 
would  not  come  in  and  show  her- 
self at  his  commandment,  what 
did  the  king  do  ? 

A.  Put  her  away. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  make  qneen 
in  her  place? 

A.  Esther,  niece  of  Mor- 
decai,  the  Jew.     Esth.  ii. 

Q.  "\Mien  Haman  was  advanced 
by  tlie  king,  and  Mordecai  would 
not  bow  to  him,  what  did  Haman 
do? 

A.  Got  leave  from  the  king 
to  destroy  all  the  Jews.  Esth. 
iii. 

Q.  When  Esther  heard  of  it, 
what  did  she  do  ? 

A.  Appointed  a  fast,  and 
said,  I  will  go  unto  the  king, 
and  if  I  perish,  I  perish. 
Esth.  iv. 

Q.  How  did  the  king  receive 
her  ? 

A.  Graciously :  he  said  he 
would  grant  lier  request,  even 
to  the  half  of  the  kingdom. 
Esth.  V. 

Q.  What  did  she  ask? 

A.  That  the  king  and  Ila- 
man  would  come  to  her  ban- 
quet. 


Q.  How  did  this  affect  Haman? 
A.  He  was  very  glad. 

Q.  But  what  did  he  say  to  his 
wife  ? 

A.    Yet  all  this  avaiLeth 
me  nothing,  so  long  as  I  sea 
Mordecai,  the  Jew,  sitting  at  • 
the  king's  gate. 

Q.  What  did  he  do,  by  the 
counsel  of  his  wife  ? 

A.  Made  a  gallows  to  hang  ' 
Mordecai  on. 

Q.  When  the  king  found  that 
Mordecai  had  never  been  re- 
warded for  saving  his  life  on  a 
certain  occasion,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Asked  Ilaman,  AVhat 
shall  be  done  unto  the  man 
whom  the  king  delighteth  to 
honor?     Esth.  vi. 

Q.  Why  did  Haman  suggest 
that  he  should  be  led  in  pomp 
through  the  city,  witli  the  king's 
apparel  and  crown,  and  on  his 
horse  ? 

A.  Because  he  thought  the 
king  meant  him. 

Q.  When,  at  the  king's  com- 
mand, he  had  thus  escorted  Mor- 
decai, what  did  he  do? 

A.  Went  home  mourn- 
ing to  his  wife,  who  predict- 
ed his  fall. 

Q.  When,  at  the  next  banquet, 
Estlicr  pleaded  for  the  Jews 
against  Haman,  what  did  the 
king  do  ? 

A.  Had  Haman  hung  on 
the  gallows  he  had  erected 
for  Mordecai.     Esth.  vii. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECniSM. 


85 


-    Q,  What  did  lie  do  to  Morde- 
cai? 

A.    Put  him   iu  Ilamau's 
place.     Esth.  viii. 

Q.   What  did  lie   do  for  the 
Jews  ? 

A.     Allowed      them     to 


avenge   themselves  on  their 
enemies.     Esth.  ix.,  x. 

Q.  What  feast  has  been  ob- 
served ever  since  by  the  Jews  in 
memory  of  their  deliverance? 

A.  The  feast  of  Purim, 
kept  on  the  fourteenth  and 
fifteenth  of  Adar. 


LESSON    LV. 


Q.  What  is  the  eighteenth 
book  of  the  Bible  ? 

A.  The  book  of  Job. 

Q.  Where  did  Job  live  ? 

A.  In  the  land  of  Uz.  Jobi. 

Q.  What  was  his  character? 

'     A.  Perfect  and  upright. 

Q.  How  many  children  had  he? 

I    A.  Seven  sons  and  three 
daughters. 
j''  Q.  What  was  his  rank? 
[    A.  He  was  rich — the  great- 
est man  in  the  east. 

,     Q.  When  Job's  children  feast- 
ed, what  did  lie  do  ? 

A.  Offered  burnt-offerings 
fbr  them,  for  fear  they  had 
sinned. 

Q.  When  Satan  said  that  Job 
would  curse  God  if  he  deprived 
him  of  his  property,  what  did 
the  Lord  tell  him  to  do  ? 
l      A.  To  go  and  try  Job. 

'  Q.  When  deprived  of  his  pro- 
[i  perty  and  children,  what  did 
[i  Job  "say? 

i       A.    The   Lord   gave,    and 
the  Lord  hath  taken  away : 


blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord. 

Q.  When  he  was  afflicted  with 
sore  boils,  and  his  wife  told  him 
to  curse  God  and  die,  what  did 
he  say  ? 

A.  Shall  we  receive  good 
at  the  hand  of  God,  and  shall 
we  not  receive  evil  ?    Job  ii. 

Q.  When  his  three  friends, 
Eliphaz,  Bildad,  and  Zophar, 
came  to  him,  what  did  they 
do? 

A.  Mourned  with  him  in 
silence  seven  days. 

Q.  WTiat  did  Job  then  do  ? 
A.  Cursed  his  day.     Job 
iii. 

Q.  T\Tiat  did  his  friends  do 
when  they  broke  silence  ? 

A.  Tried  to  prove  that  he 
was  punished  as  a  hypocrite. 
Job  iv.-xxv. 

Q.  Wliat  did  Job  do  ? 

A.  Defended  himself 
against  their  charges,  and 
appealed  to  God  in  proof  of 
his  innocence.   Job  vi.-xxxi. 


86 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  How  (lid  he  express  liis 
trust  ill  God? 

A.  Though  he  slay  me, 
yet  will  I  trust  in  him.  Job 
xiii. 

Q.  How  else? 

A.  I  know  that  my  Ee- 
deemer  liveth.     Job  xix. 

Q.  How  does  lie  close  his  sub- 
lime eulogy  of  wisdom? 

A.  Behold,  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  that  is  wisdom ;  and 
to  depart  from  evil  is  under- 
standing.    Job  xxviii. 

Q.  Who  spoke  after  Job  had 
finished? 

A,  Elihu.  Job  xxxii.- 
xxxvii. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Reproved  Job  and  his 
three  friends. 

Q.  Who  then  spoke? 

A.  The  Lord,  out  of  the 
whirlwind.   Job  xxxviii.-xli. 

Q.  What  was  the  scope  of  his 
speech? 

A.  lie  set  forth  the  Divine 
perfections  as  displayed  in 
nature,  so  as  to  humble  Job. 

Q.  What  did  Job  say? 

A.  I  abhor  myself,  and  re- 
pent in  dust  and  ashes.  Job 
xlii. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  say  to 
his  three  friends? 


A.  That  he  was  angry 
with  them,  because  they  had 
not  spoken  right  of  him,  as 
Job  had. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  them  to 
do? 

A.  To  get  Job  to  sacrifice 
and  pray  for  them. 

Q.  Did  Job  do  so? 

A.  Yes ;  and  the  Lord 
turned  his  captivity  when  he 
prayed  for  his  friends. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  to  him  ? 

A.  Gave  him  twice  as 
much  property,  and  as  many 
children  as  he  had  before. 

Q.  '\r\Tiat  were  his  daughters' 
names? 

A.  Jemima,  Kezia,  and 
Keren-happuch. 

Q.  Were  they  beautiful  ? 

A.  In  all  the  land  were 
no  women  so  fair. 

Q.  How  long  did  Job  live  after 
this? 

A.  One  hundred  and  forty 
years. 

Q.  What  does  James  say  about 
him? 

A.  Ye  have  heard  of  the  pa- 
tience of  Job,  and  have  seen 
the  end  of  the  Lord ;  that 
the  Lord  is  very  pitiful,  and 
of  tender  mercy.     James  v. 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


87 


LESSON   LVI. 


Q.  What  is  the  nineteenth 
book  of  the  Bible  ? 

A.  The  book  of  Psalms. 

Q.  Who  wrote  it? 

A.  David,  Asaph,  and 
bthers. 

Q.  What  does  it  contain? 

A.  Hymns  of  praise, 
ihanksgiving,  prayer,  in- 
struction, history,  and  pro- 
phecy. 

Q.  Which  are  psalms  of 
praise  ? 

A.  Psalms  c,  civ.,  and 
cxlviii. ;  but  there  are  a 
great  many  more. 

Q.  Which  are  psalms  of 
fclianksgiving  ? 

A.  Psalms  ciii.,  cxvi., 
Cxxxvi.,  and  many  more. 

j     Q.    Which     are     psalms     of 
jprayer  ? 

A.  The  seven  penitential 
ipsalms,  vi.,  xxxii.,  xxxviii., 
[ili,,  cii.,  cxxx.,  cxliii.,  and  a 
i  great  many  more. 

|,      Q.   Which  are  psalms  of  in- 

iBtruction? 

A.  Psalms  i.,  xix.,  cxix., 
which  set  forth  the  excel- 
lence of  God's  law,  and  many 
others. 

Q.  Which  are  historical 
|)8alms? 

A.  Psalms  Ixxviii.,  cv.,  cvi. 
Q.  Which  are  prophetical? 
A.  Psalms  ii.,  xvi.,  xxii.. 


xli.,  xlv.,  Ixviii.,  Ixxii.,  ex., 
cxviii. 

Q.  What  is  predicted  in  the 
second  psalm? 

A.  The  kingdom  of  Christ, 
the  Son  of  God. 

Q.  VTho  refers  to  it  in  the  New 
Testament? 

A.  Peter,  Acts  iv.  25 ; 
Paul,  Acts  xiii.  33 :  Heb.  i. 
5  ;  V.  5  ;  and  Christ,  Rev.  ii. 
27. 

Q.  W[\Q,t  is  predicted  in  the 
sixteenth  psalm? 

A.  The  resurrection  of 
Christ. 

Q.  Who  refer  to  it  in  the  New 
Testament? 

A.  Peter,  Acts  ii.  25-28; 
and  Paul,  Acts  xiii.  35. 

Q.  What  is  predicted  in  the 
twenty-second  psalm? 

A.  The  passion  of  Christ. 

Q.  Where  is  it  cited  in  the 
New  Testament? 

A.  Matt,  xxvii.  35,  43,  46  : 
John  xix.  24. 

Q.  "^Tiat  is  predicted  in  the 
forty-first  psalm  ? 

A.  The  betrayal  of  Christ. 

Q.  Where  is  it  referred  to  in 
the  New  Testament? 

A.  In  John  xiii.  18,  and 
Acts  i.  16. 

Q.  What  is  predicted  in  the 
forty-fifth  psalm  ? 

A.  The  glory  of  Christ's 
kingdom. 


8a 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Who  refers  to  it  in  tlie  New 
Testament? 

A.  Paul,  Ileb.  i.  8,  9. 

Q.  "What  is  predicted  in  the 
sixty-eighth  psalm? 

A.  The  ascension  of  Christ. 

Q.  Who  refers  to  it  in  the  New 
Testament? 

A.  Paul,  Eph.  iv.  8. 

Q.  What  is  predicted  in  the 
seventy-second  psalm? 

A.  The  universal  spread, 
and  blessedness,  and  contin- 
uance of  Christ's  kingdom. 

Q.  Is  it  expressly  quoted  in 
the  New  Testament? 

A.  It  is  not. 

Q.  What  is  predicted  in  the 
one  hundred  and  tenth  psalm? 

A.  The  royal  priesthood 
of  Christ. 

Q.  By  whom  is  it  cited  in  the 
New  Testament? 

A.  By  Clirist  himself,  Matt. 
xxii.  44 :  Peter,  Acts  ii.  34 ; 


and  Paul,  1  Cor.  xv.  25-.  Hehi 
V.  6  ;  vii.  17,  21. 

Q.  What  is  predicted  in  the 
one  hundred  and  eighteenth 
psalm  ? 

A.  The  glory  of  Christ  in 
his  kingdom. 

Q.  Where  is  it  cited  in  the 
New  Testament? 

A.  Matt.  xxi.  9,  42 :  Acts 
iv.  11 :  1  Pet.  ii.  7. 

Q.  Does  Christ  say  that  the 
psalms  contain  predictions  of 
him  ? 

A.  He  does.  Luke  xxiv. 
44. 

Q.  Are  other  psalms  beside 
the  prophetical  quoted  in  the 
New  Testament?  ^ 

A.  Yes  ;  many  others.    *wL 

Q.  What  does  this  show? 

A.  That  the  psalms  were 
much  used  by  the  Jews. 

Q.  Do  Christians  generally 
prize  them? 

A.  They  do,  justly. 


LESSON    LVII. 


Q.  What  is  the  twentieth  book 
of  the  Bible? 

A.  The  Proverbs. 
Q.  Who  was  its  author? 
A.    Solomon,   the    son   of 
David. 

Q.  Of  what  does  it  treat? 
A.  Of  moral  virtues,  and 
their  contrary  vices. 


Q.  Wliat  does  it  say  of  bad 
company  ? 

A.  If  sinners  entice  thee, 
consent  thou  not.  Prov.  i. 
10. 

Q.  What  about  acknowledg- 
ing God  ? 

A.  In  all  thy  ways  acknow- 
ledge him,  and  he  shall 
direct  thy  paths.   Prov.  iii.  6. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


89 


Q,  What  about  wisdom,  or 
true  religion? 

A.  She  is  more  precious 
than  rubies.     Prov.  iii.  15. 

Q.  What  else  ? 

A.  Her  ways  are  ways  of 
pleasantness,  and  all  her 
paths  are  peace.     Prov.  iii. 

Q.  Wliat  else  ? 

A.  I  love  them  that  love 
me  ;  and  those  that  seek  me 
early  shall  find  me.  Prov. 
viii.  17. 

Q.  What  about  fools? 

A.  Fools  make  a  mock  at 
sin.     Prov.  xiv.  8. 

Q.   What  about  friends? 

A.  A  man  that  hath 
friends  must  show  himself 
friendly ;  and  there  is  a 
friend  that  sticketh  closer 
than  a  brother.  Prov.  xviii. 
24. 

Q.  What  is  Agur's  prayer  ? 

A.  Remove  far  from  me 
vanity  and  lies:  give  me 
neither  poverty  nor  riches ; 
f(?ed  me  with  food  conve- 
nient for  me :  lest  I  be  full, 
and  deny  thee,  and  say,  "Who 
is  the  Lord?  or  lest  I  be 
poor,  and  steal,  and  take  the 
name  of  my  God  in  vain. 
Prov.  XXX.  8,  9. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  a  virtuous 
woman? 

A.  Her  price  is  far  above 
rubies.     Prov.  xxxi.  10. 


Q.    Do    the    New  Testament 
writers  quote  the  Proverbs? 
A.  They  do. 

Q.  What  is  the  twenty -first 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  Ecclesiastes,  or  the 
Preacher. 

Q.  ^^^lo  was  its  author? 
A.    Solomon,   the  son  of 
David.     Eccl.  i. 

Q.  Of  what  does  it  treat? 
A.     The     vanity     of     all 
earthly  things. 

Q.  What  direction  does  it 
give  to  the  young  ? 

A.  Remember  now  thy 
Creator  in  the  days  of  thy 
youth.     Eccl,  xii. 

Q.  TMiat  does  it  say  is  the 
whole  dut}^  of  man  ? 

A.  To  fear  God,  and  keep 
his  commandments. 

Q.  Why  should  we  do  this, 
does  it  say? 

A.  For  God  shall  bring 
every  work  into  judgment, 
with  every  secret  thing,  whe- 
ther it  be  good,  or  whether 
it  be  evil. 


Q.   What  is  the  twenty-second 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  The  Song  of  Solomon. 

Q.  Of  what  does  it  treat? 

A.    The  love  of  a  bride- 


90 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


LESSON    LVIII. 


Q.  What  is  the  twenty- thii-d 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  The  book  of  the  pro- 
phet Isaiah. 

Q.  "NMio  Tvas  he  ? 

A.  The  son  of  Amoz. 
Isa.  i. 

Q.  When  did  he  prophesy? 

A.  About  seven  hundred 
years  before  Christ. 

Q.  In  whose  reigns? 

A.  Those  of  Uzziah,  Jo- 
tham,  Ahaz,  and  Hezekiah. 

Q.  What  did  he  prophesy  con- 
cerning the  land  of  Israel  and 
Judah? 

A.  That  it  should  become 
desolate.     Isa.  i. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about 
their  restoration? 

A.  The  Lord  will  set  them 
in  their  own  land.     Isa.  xiv. 

Q.  What  about  their  oppress- 
ors, the  Assyrians  and  Babylo- 
nians ? 

A.  That  they  and  their 
cities  should  be  utterly  de- 
stroyed.    Isa.  X.,  xiii.,  xiv. 

Q.  What  about  Moab? 
A.  That  it  should  be  laid 
waste.     Isa.  xv.,  xvi. 

Q.  What  about  Syria? 
A.  That  its  cities  should 
be  forsaken.     Isa.  xvii. 

Q.  What  about  the  Ethiopians? 
A.    That  they  should   be 
trodden  down.     Isa.  xviii. 


Q.  What  about  Egypt? 

A.  That  it  should  be  smit- 
ten and  then  healed.  Isa. 
xix. 

Q.  TMiat  about  the  Edomites 
and  Arabians? 

A.  That  their  glory  should 
fail.     Isa.  xxi. 

Q.  What  about  Tyre? 

A.  That  it  should  be  laid 
waste.     Isa.  xxiii. 

Q.  Why  is  Isaiah  called  the 
evangelical  prophet? 

A.  Because  he  prophesied 
so  much  and  so  clearly  con- 
cerning Christ  and  his  king- 
dom. 

Q,  What  does  John  say  about 
the  vision  in  Isaiah  vi.  ? 

A.  Tliat  it  was  the  glory 
of  Christ  which  Isaiah  saw. 
John  xii.  41. 

Q.  What  passage  does  Mat- 
thew quote  concerning  the  birth 
of  Christ  ? 

A.  Behold,  a  virgin  shall 
conceive,  and  bear  a  son,  and 
shall  call  his  name  Imman- 
uel.     Isa.  vii.  14. 

Q.  What  does  Isaiah  say  about 
Christ? 

A.  Unto  us  a  Child  is  born, 
unto  us  a  Son  is  given  ;  and 
the  government  shall  be  upon 
his  shoulder ;  and  his  name 
shall  be  called  Wonderful, 
Counsellor,  The  Mighty  God, 
The  Everlasting  Father,  The 
Prince  of  Peace.    Isa.  ix. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


91 


Q.  ^Yhiit  does  he  say  about 
the  place  of  his  ministry? 

A.  That  it  should  be  in 
the  land  of  Zebulun  and 
Naphtali. 

Q.  Does  Matthew  allude  to  the 
fulfilment  of  this  prophecy? 

A.  He  does.     Matt.  iv.  16. 

Q.  What  does  Isaiah  say 
should  take  place  in  the  days  of 
the  Messiah  ? 

A.  Then  the  eyes  of  the 
blind  shall  be  opened,  and 
the  ears  of  the  deaf  shall  be 
unstopped.  Then  shall  the 
lame  leap  as  a  hart,  and  the 
tongue  of  the  dumb  sing. 
Isa.  XXXV. 

Q.  Were  these  miracles 
'n'rought  by  Chi'ist  ? 

A.  They  were.     Matt.  xi. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  of  John 
the  Baptist? 

A.  The  voice  of  him  that 
crieth  in  the  wilderness,  Pre- 
pare ye  the  way  of  the  Lord, 
make  straight  in  the  desert  a 
highway  for  our  God.  Isa. 
xl. 

Q,  Do  the  evangelists  refer 
this  to  John  ? 

A.  They  do.  Matt.  iii.  3  : 
Mark  i.  3  :  Luke  iii.  4 :  John 
i.  23. 

Q.  How  does  he  set  forth  the 
condescension  of  Christ? 

A.  lie  shall  feed  his  flock 
like  a  shepherd:  he  shall 
gather  the  lambs  with  his 
arms,  and  carry  them  in  his 
bosom.    Isa.  xl. 


Q.  Does  Christ  call  himself 
the  good  Shepherd? 

A.  He  does.     John  x. 

Q.  "WTiat  does  he  say  of  the 
mildness  of  Christ? 

A.  A  bruised  reed  shall 
he  not  break,  and  the  smok- 
ing flax  shall  he  not  quench. 
Isa.  xlii. 

Q.  Does  Matthew  refer  this  to 
Christ  ? 

A.  He  does.  Matt.  xii. 
17-21. 

Q.  In  what  chapter  does  he 
minutely  describe  the  sufferings, 
death,  bm-ial,  resurrection,  glo- 
rification,  and    intercession   of 

Christ? 

A.  In  the  fifty-third. 

Q.  By  whom  is  this  applied  to 
Christ? 

A.  Matthew,  viii.  17: 
Philip,  Acts  viii.  30-35: 
Mark,  xv.  28 :  Christ  him- 
self, Luke  xxii.  37. 

Q.  What  prophecy  did  Christ 
say  was  fulfilled  when  he  began 
his  ministry,  Luke  iv.  16-21  ? 

A.  That  in  Isa.  Ixi.  1-3. 

Q.  What  invitation  does  Isaiah 
give  to  sinners? 

A.  Ho,  every  one  that 
thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  wa- 
ters, and  he  that  hath  no 
money ;  come  ye,  buy  and 
eat ;  yea,  come,  buy  wine 
and  milk  without  money  and 
without  price.     Isa.  Iv. 

Q.  Of  what  does  the  last  part 
of  Isaiah  treat? 

A.  Of  the  latter-day  glory 
of  the  Church. 


92 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


LESSON   LIX. 


Q.  'NMiat  is  the  twenty-fourth 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  The  book  of  the  pro- 
phet Jeremiah. 

Q.  Who  was  he? 

A.  The  son  of  Ililkiah,  a 
priest  in  Anathoth.     Jer.  i. 

Q.  When  did  he  prophesy? 

A.  About  six  hundred 
years  before  Christ. 

Q.  In  whose  reigns? 

A.  Those  of  Josiah  and 
his  successors  till  the  cap- 
tivity. 

Q.  When  was  he  set  apart  for 
the  prophetic  office? 
A.  From  his  birth. 

Q.  Why  is  he  called  the  weep- 
ing prophet? 

A.  Because  he  said,  0  tliat 
my  head  were  waters  and 
mine  eyes  a  fountain  of  tears, 
that  I  might  weep  day  and 
night  for  the  slain  of  the 
daughter  of  my  people.  Jer. 
ix. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about 
their  des^perate  state? 

A.  Is  there  no  balm  in 
Gilead?  is  there  no  physi- 
cian tlicre?  why  then  is  not 
the  health  of  the  daughter 
of  my  people  recovered? 
Jer.  viii.  22. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  God  would 
do  to  them  ? 

A.  Scatter  them  among 
the  nations.     Jer.  ix.  16. 


Q.  What  did  he  say  about 
their  incurable  habits  ? 

A.  Can  the  Ethiopian 
change  his  skin,  or  the  leo- 
pard his  spots  ?  then  may  ye 
also  do  good,  that  are  accus- 
tomed to  do  evil.  Jer.  xiii. 
23. 

Q.  To  what  did  he  liken  the 
house  of  Israel? 

A.  To  clay  marred  in  the 
hand  of  the  potter,  and  to 
the  potter's  vessel  broken. 
Jer.  xviii.,  xix. 

Q.  What  did  Pashur  do  to 
Jeremiah  on  account  of  his  faith- 
fulness ? 

A.  Smote  him,  and  put 
him  in  the  stocks.     Jer.  xx. 

Q.  What  did  Zedekiah  do  to 
hiui  ? 

A.  Shut  him  up  in  the 
court  of  the  prison.  Jer. 
xxxii. 

Q.  What  did  the  princes  do  to 
him  ? 

A.  Put  him  in  prison,  and 
then  in  the  dungeon.  Jer. 
xxxvii.,  xxxviii. 

Q.  By  whom  was  he  taken 
out  ? 

A.  By  Ebed-melech,  the 
Ethiopian,  for  which  he  was 
rewarded. 

Q.  When  Jerusalem  was  taken, 
-what  became  of  Jeremiah? 

A.  lie  was  allowed  to 
dwell  among  his  people.  Jer. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


93 


Q.  What  did  Johanan  do  to 
him? 

A.  Carried  him  to  Egypt. 
Jer.  xliii. 

Q.  "What  docs  he  prophesy 
couceruing  Christ? 

A.  Behold,  the  days  come, 
saith  the  Lord,  that  I  -will 
raise  unto  David  a  righteous 
branch,  and  a  King  shall 
reign  and  prosper,  and  shall 
execute  judgment  and  jus- 
tice in  the  earth.  In  his 
days  Judah  shall  be  saved, 
and  Israel  shall  dvrell  safely; 
and  this  is  his  name  Avhereby 
he  shall  be  called,  The  Lord 
our  Righteousness.  Jer. 
xxiii. 

Q.  "Wliat  passage  does  Mat- 
thew apply  to  the  mourning  for 
the  slaughter  of  the  Innocents 
by  Herod,  Matt,  ii.  18  ? 

A.  A  voice  v^-as  heard  in 
Rama,  lamentation,  and  bit- 
ter weeping ;  Rachel  weep- 
ing for  her  children,  refused 
to  be  comforted  for  her  child- 


ren, because  they  were  not. 
Jer.  xxxi.  15. 

Q.  What  passage  does  Paul 
quote,  Heb.  viii.  8-12? 

A.  That  which  refers  to 
the  new  covenant.  Jer.  xxxi. 

Q.  What  promise  did  he  give 
the  Rechabites  because  they 
obeyed  their  father,  Jonadab? 

A.  Jonadab  shall  not  want 
a  man  to  stand  before  me  for 
ever.     Jer.  xxxv. 

Q.  On  what  does  the  latter 
part  of  the  book  treat? 

A.  On  the  judgments 
which  were  to  come  upon 
the  Egyptians,  Philistines, 
Moabites,  Ammonites,  Edom- 
ites,  Syrians,  Elamites,  and 
Babylonians. 

Q.  What  is  the  twenty -fifth 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  The  Lamentations  of 
Jeremiah. 

Q.  What  is  the  bm-den  of  the 
book? 

A.  The  misery  of  Jerusa- 
lem in  consequence  of  sin. 


LESSON   LX. 


Q.  What  is  the  twenty -sixth 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.    The  book  of  the  pro- 
i  phet  Ezekiel. 

;       Q.  AVho  was  Ezekiel? 

A.   A  priest,  the  son  of 
(  Buzi.     Ezek.  i. 

i      Q.    Where  was  he  when  he 
\  saw  his  vision  of  four  cherubim  ? 


A.  By  the  river  Chebar,  a 
branch  of  the  Euphrates. 

Q.    What  did  God  constitute 
him  ? 

A.    A  watchman   to  the 
house  of  Israel.     Ezek.  iii. 

Q.    What  was  he  to  say  to 
them  ? 

A.  That  if  the  wicked  man 


y4 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


repented  he  should  live,  and 
if  the  righteous  man  became 
wicked  he  should  die. 

Q.  How  did  lie  expostulate 
with  the  people? 

A.  Why  will  ye  die,  0 
house  of  Israel  ?    Ezek.  xviii. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  should  be 
done  to  them  for  their  siu? 

A.  Their  land  should  he 
made  desolate. 

Q.  How  did  he  represent  their 
desperate  state  ? 

A.  Though  Noah,  Daniel, 
and  Job  were  in  it,  they 
should  not  deliver  it.  Ezek. 
xiv. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  should  be 
done  to  the  Ammonites,  Moab- 
ites,  Edomites,  and  Philistines? 

A.  They  should  be  de- 
stroyed.    Ezek.  XXV. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  of  Tyre  ? 

A.  It  shall  be  a  site  for 
the  spreading  of  nets.  Ezek. 
xxvi. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  of  Egypt  ? 

A,  It  shall  be  the  basest  of 
the  kingdoms.     Ezek.  xxix. 


Q.  What  great  promise  did  he 
give  his  people  Israel? 

A.  I  will  set  up  one  shep- 
herd over  them,  and  he 
shall  feed  them.  Ezek.  xxxiv. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  he  would 
do  to  them? 

A.  Sprinkle  clean  water 
upon  them.     Ezek.  xxxvi. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  they  should 
do? 

A.  Repent  and  ask  God  to 
do  these  things  for  them. 

Q.  How  did  he  represent  the 
restoration  of  Israel? 

A.  By  the  resurrection  of 
dry  bones.     Ezek.  xxxvii. 

Q.  What  was  to  be  the  fate  of 
Gog,  the  enemy  of  Israel? 

A.  He  should  be  destroyed 
with  pestilence  and  flood. 
Ezek.  xxxviii. 

Q.  Of  what  do  the  last  nine 
chapters  treat? 

A.  Of  Ezekiel's  vision  of 
the  temple,  the  waters  of  the 
sanctuary,  and  the  portions 
of  the  twelve  tribes. 


LESSON   LXI. 


Q.  What  is  the  twenty- seventh 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  The  book  of  Daniel. 
Q.  Who  was  Daniel  ? 
A.  A  captive  Jew  in  Ba- 
bylon.    Dan.  i. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  him  ? 


A.  He  had  understanding 
in  all  visions  and  dreams. 

Q.  Whose  dream  did  he  re- 
veal and  interpret? 

A.  Nebuchadnezzar's 
dream  of  an  image  represent- 
ing four  kingdoms.    Dan.  ii. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


95 


Q.  How  did  the  king  reward 
himi' 

A.  He  made  him  ruler 
over  Babylon,  and  chief  of 
the  governors  over  all  the 
vcise  men. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  his  three 
companions,  ShadrachjMeshach, 
and  Abed-nego? 

A.  They  refused  to  vror- 
ship  the  golden  image  which 
Nebuchadnezzar  set  up.  Dan. 
iii. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  to  them? 

A.  Cast  them  into  a  fiery 
furnace. 

Q.  Were  they  burned? 

A.  No :  they  came  out  un- 
hurt. 

Q.  "VMiat  did  the  king  then  do  ? 

A.  Blessed  the  God  of 
,  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and 
Abed-nego,  and  raised  them 
to  honor. 

Q.  What  other  dream  did 
Daniel  interpret? 

A.  Nebuchadnezzar's 
dream  of  a  tree  representing 
himself.     Dan,  iv. 

Q.  WTiat  came  to  pass  in  ful- 
filment of  the  dream? 

A.  Nebuchadnezzar  was 
driven  out  as  a  madman  to 
live  with  the  beasts. 

Q.  Was  he  ever  restored? 

A.  He  was,  and  became  a 
servant  of  God. 

.    Q.   What   happened    at   Bel- 
ahazzar's  impious  feast? 

A.  The  fingers  of  a  man's 
hand  wrote  on  the  plaster 
of  the  waU.    Dan.  v. 


Q.  How  did  this  afiFect  the 
king? 

A.  He  was  greatly  fright- 
ened and  troubled. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 
A.    Sent  for  Daniel,  who 
explained  the  writing. 

Q.  What  was  the  writing  ? 

A.  Mexe,  Mene,  Tekel, 
Upuarsin. 

Q.  What  does  Mene  imply? 

A.  God  hath  numbered 
thy  kingdom  and  finished  it. 

Q.  What  was  meant  by  Tekel? 

A.  Thou  art  weighed  in 
the  balances,  and  art  found 
wanting. 

Q.  Wliat  was  meant  by  Uphar- 
sin,  or  Peres? 

A.  Thy  kingdom  is  divid- 
ed, and  given  to  the  Medes 
and  Persians. 

Q.  What  happened  that  night? 

A.  Belshazzar  was  slain, 
and  Darius,  the  Median,  took 
the  kingdom. 

Q.  Whom  did  Darius  put  over 
the  kingdom? 

A.  One  hundred  and  twenty 
princes  and  three  presidents. 
Dan.  vi. 

Q.  Who  was  the  first  of  the 
presidents  ? 

A.  Daniel. 

Q.  What  plan  did  the  others 
adopt  to  ruin  Daniel? 

A.  They  obtained  from  the 
king  a  decree  that  if  any  one 
should  pray  to  God  or  man, 
except  to  the  king,  for  thirty 


96 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


days,  he  should  be  cast  into 
the  den  of  lions. 

Q.  Did  Daniel  contiuue  to 
pray  as  before  ? 

A.  He  did,  and  was  cast 
into  the  den  of  lions. 

Q.  What  liappened  to  liim 
there? 

A.  God  sent  an  angel,  who 
stopped  the  mouths  of  the 
lions,  so  that  they  did  not 
hurt  Daniel. 

Q.  When  he  was  taken  out, 
what  did  the  king  do  ? 

A.  Cast  his  enemies  into 
the  den,  and  the  lions  de- 
voured them. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  do? 

A.  Ordered  all  men  to 
worship  the  God  of  Daniel. 

Q.  What  vision  did  Daniel 
have  ? 

A.  A  vision  of  four  beasts, 
representing  four  monarch- 
ies.   Dan.  vii. 

Q.  What  was  to  take  place 
under  the  fourth  monarchy? 

A.  The  kingdom  of  the 
saints  was  to  be  set  up. 


Q.  What  other  vision  of  simi- 
lar import  did  he  have? 

A.  The  vision  of  the  ram 
and  he-goat.    Dan.  viii. 

Q.  Who  explained  it  to  him? 
A.  Gabriel. 

Q.  What  did  Gabriel  tell  him 
about  the  Messiah? 

A.  The  time  when  he 
should  come,  and  the  work 
he  should  accomplish.  Dan. 
ix. 

Q.  What  else  was  told  to  Dan- 
iel? 

A.  Manyimportantthings, 
which  he  did  not  understand. 
Dan.  x.-xii. 

Q.  What  command  was  given 
him? 

A.  Go  thy  way,  Daniel ; 
for  the  words  are  closed  up 
and  sealed  till  the  time  of 
the  end. 

Q.  What  promise  was  given 
him? 

A.  Thou  shalt  rest,  and 
stand  in  thy  lot  at  the  end 
of  the  days. 


f 


LESSON    LXII. 


Q.  What  is  the  twenty- eighth 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  Hosea. 

Q.  Who  was  Hosea? 

A.  The  son  of  Beeri.  Ho- 
sea i. 


Q.  When  did  he  prophesy? 

A.  In  the  days  of  Uzziah, 
Jotham,  Ahaz,  and  Heze- 
kiah,  kings  of  Judah,  and 
Jerol3oam,  son  of  Joash, 
king  of  Israel. 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


97 


Q.  What  is  the  burden  of  his 
prophecy  ? 

A.  Threateiiings  and  pro- 
mises to  Judah  and  Israel. 

Q.  Wliat  caution  did  he  give 
to  Judah  when  Israel,  or  Eph- 
raim,  was  abandoned  to  idola- 
try? 

A.  Ephraim  is  joined  to 
idols:  let  him.  alone.  IIos. 
iv. 

Q.  What  complaint  was  made 
against  them  ? 

A.  0  Ephraim,  what  shall 
I  do  unto  thee?  0  Judah, 
what  shall  I  do  unto  thee? 
for  your  goodness  is  as  a 
morning  cloud,  and  as  the 
early  dew  it  goeth  away. 
IIos.  vi. 

Q.  By  what  language  did  God 
manifest  his  tender  regard  for 
Israel ? 

A.  How  shall  I  give  thee 
up,  Ephraim?  how  shall  I 
deliver  thee,  Israel  ?  how 
shall  I  make  thee  as  Admah  ? 
how  shall  I  set  thee  as  Ze- 
boim  ?  mine  heart  is  turned 
within  me,  my  repentings 
are  kindled  together.  Hosea 
xi. 

Q.  How  did  he  encourage  Is- 
rael? 

A.  0  Israel,  thou  hast  de- 
stroyed thyself;  but  in  me  is 
thine  help.    IIos.  xiii. 


Q.  What  did  he  promise  the 

Israelites,  if  they  repented? 

A.  I  will  heal  their  back- 
sliding, I  will  love  them  free- 

Q.  What  is  the  twenty-ninth 
book  of  the  Bible  ? 

A.  Joel. 

Q.  Who  was  Joel? 

A.  The  son  of  Pethuel. 
Joel  i. 

Q.  What  judgment  did  he  de- 
nounce against  the  Jews  ? 

A.  A  famine,  produced  by 
locusts.    Joel  i.,  ii. 

Q.  What  promise  did  he  give 
in  case  they  repented? 

A.  Ye  shall  eat  in  plenty, 
and  praise  the  name  of  the 
Lord. 

Q.  What  great  evangelical 
promise  followed? 

A.  I  will  pour  out  my 
Spirit  upon  all  flesh. 

Q.  When  did  Peter  say  that 
was  fulfilled? 

A.  On  the  day  of  Pente- 
cost.   Acts  ii.  1-21. 

Q.  What  judgment  was  de- 
nounced against  Tyre  and  Sidon, 
Egypt  and  Edom,  for  their  vio- 
lence to  Judah? 

A.  They  shall  become  des- 
olate.   Joel  iii. 


Vol.  I.- 


98 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


LESSON   LXIII. 


Q.  What  is  the  thirtieth  book 
of  the  Bible  ? 

A.  Amoa. 

Q.  Who  was  Amos? 

A.  A  herdman  of  Tekoa. 
Amos  i. 

Q.  When  did  he  prophesy? 

A.  In  the  days  of  Uzziah, 
king  of  Judali,  and  of  Jero- 
boam, son  of  Joash,  king  of 
Israel. 

Q.  What  did  he  predict? 

A.  God's  judgments  upon 
Syria,  Philistia,  Tyre,  Edom, 
Ammon,  Moab,  Judah,  and 
Israel. 

Q.  When  he  predicted  Jero- 
boam's death,  and  his  ])eople's 
captivity,  wliat  did  Amaziah,  tlie 
priest  of  Bethel,  tell  him  to 
do? 

A.  Flee  to  the  land  of  Ju- 
dah, and  not  prophesy  again 
at  Bethel.    Amos  vii. 

Q.  ^\^lat  did  Amos  say? 

A.  I  was  no  prophet,  nei- 
ther was  I  a  prophet's  son  ; 
but  I  was  a  herdman,  and  a 
gatherer  of  sycamore  fruit. 
And  the  Lord  took  me  as  I 
followed  the  flock,  and  the 
Lord  said  unto  me.  Go,  pro- 
phesy unto  my  people  Is- 
rael. 


Q.  What  judgment  did  he  de- 
nounce on  Amaziah? 

A.  That  he  should  be  de- 
prived of  his  wife  and  child- 
ren, and  die  in  captivity. 

Q.  What  grievous  famine  did 
he  predict? 

A.  Not  a  famine  of  bread, 
nor  a  thirst  for  water,  but  of 
hearing  the  words  of  the 
Lord.    Amos  viii. 

Q.  Who  quotes  one  of  his  re- 
proofs of  Israel  for  idolatry? 

A.  Stephen.  Amos  v. 
Acts  vii.  42,  43. 

Q.  Who  quotes  one  of  his  pro- 
mises to  Israel? 

A.  James.  Amos  ix. 
Acts  XV.  15-17. 

Q.  What    is    the    thirty -first 
book  of  the  Bible? 
A.  Obadiah. 

Q.  What  is  the  burden  of  his 
prophecy  ? 

A.  The  destruction  of 
Edom. 

Q.  With  what  promise  does 
he  close  his  prophecy? 

A.  And  saviours  shall 
come  up  on  Mount  Zion,  to 
judge  the  Mount  of  Esau ; 
and  the  kingdom  shall  bo 
the  Lord's. 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


99 


LESSON   LXiy. 


Q.  What  is  the  thirty- second 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  Jonah. 

Q.  Who  was  Jonah  ? 

A.  The  son  of  Amittai. 
Jonah  i. 

Q.  To  what  city  did  God  send 
him? 

A.  To  Nineveh. 

Q.  Did  he  go? 

A.  No :  he  went  aboard  a 
ship  to  go  to  Tarshish. 

Q.  Did  he  reach  Tarshish? 

A.  No:  the  Lord  sent  a 
great  wind  into  the  sea,  and, 
to  save  themselves  from  ship- 
wreck, the  mariners  threw 
Jonah  overboard. 

Q.  Why  did  they  throw  him 
overboard  ? 

A.  They  cast  lots  to  find 
who  was  the  cause  of  the 
tempest,  and  the  lot  fell  upon 
Jonah. 

Q.  Was  Jonah  drowned? 

A.  No :  the  Lord  prepared 
a  great  fish  to  swallow  him. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  remain  in 
the  fish? 

A.  Three  days  and  three 
nights. 

Q.  What  then  took  place? 

A.  Jonah  prayed,  and  the 
fish  threw  him  up  on  the 
shore.     Jonah  ii. 

Q.  What  does  Jesus  say  of 
this  miracle  ? 


A.  As  Jonas  was  three 
days  and  three  nights  in  the 
whale's  bell}^  so  shall  the 
Son  of  man  be  three  days 
and  three  nights  in  the  heart 
of  the  earth.     Matt.  xii.  40. 

Q.  What  did  the  Lord  then 
say  to  Jonah? 

A.  Arise,  go  unto  Nine- 
veh, that  great  city,  and 
preach  unto  it  the  preaching 
that  I  bid  thee.     Jonah  iii. 

Q.  Did  Jonah  go? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  "VMiat  did  he  preach? 

A.  Yet  forty  days,  and 
Nineveh  shall  be  overthrown. 

Q.  "What  did  the  Ninevites  do? 
A.  They  repented.     Matt, 
xii.  41. 

Q.  What  does  Jesus  say  of 
Jonah? 

A.  That  he  was  a  sign 
unto  the  Ninevites.  Luke 
xi.  30. 

Q.  How  was  Jonah  affected 
when  God  spared  the  Ninevites? 

A.  It  displeased  Jonah  ex- 
ceedingly, and  he  was  very 
angry.     Jonah  iv. 

Q.  What  did  God  say  to  him  ? 

A.  Dost  thou  well  to  be 
angry  ? 

Q.  What  did  he  do  for  Jonah? 

A.  Made  a  gourd  to  grow 
up  to  screen  him  from  the 
sun. 


100 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


Q.  "Wliat  became  of  the  gourd? 
A.  A  worm  destroyed  it 
the  nest  day. 

Q.  How  was  Jonali  affected  by 
this? 

A.  He    was    very   angry, 
and  wished  to  die. 

Q.  How  did  the  Lord  reprove 
him? 


A.  By  asking  him  if  a 
gourd  were  of  more  import- 
ance than  a  great  city. 

Q.  How  large  was  the  popu- 
lation of  Nineveh? 

A.  So  large  that  there 
were  one  hundred  and  twen- 
ty thousand  infants  in  it. 


LESSON    LXV. 


Q.  What  is  the  thirty-third 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  Micah. 

Q.  Who  was  Micah? 

A.  AMorasthite.  Micah  i. 

Q.  When  did  he  prophesy? 

A.  In  the  days  of  Jotham, 
Ahaz,  and  Ilezekiah,  kings 
of  Judah. 

Q.  To  what  does  his  prophecy 
refer  ? 

A.  To  the  judgments  de- 
nounced upon  Judah  and 
Israel  for  their  sins,  and  pro- 
mises of  pardon  on  their  re- 
pentance. 

Q.  What  remarkable  predic- 
tion of  his  has  been  literally 
fulfilled? 

A.  Zion  shall  be  ploughed 
as  a  field.    Micah  iii. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  of  the 
Church? 

A.  That  it  shall  he  very 
prosperous  in  the  last  days. 
Micah  iv. 


Q.  What  does  he  prophesy 
concerning  Christ? 

A.  That  he  should  be  born 
in  Bethlehem.     Micah  v. 

Q.  Is  this  prediction  quoted 
in  the  New  Testament? 

A.  It  is.    Matt.  ii.  G. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  is  the 
whole  duty  of  man? 

A.  To  do  justly,  and  to 
love  mercy,  and  to  walk 
humbly  with  thy  God.  Mi- 
cah vi. 

Q.  What  is  the  thirty-fourth 
book  of  the  Bible  ? 

A.  Nahum. 

Q.  Who  was  Nahum? 

A.  An  Elkoshite.  Na- 
hum i. 

Q.  Of  what  does  Nahum 
treat? 

A.  The  destruction  of  Nin- 
eveh. 

Q.  What  is  the  thirty -fifth 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  Habakkuk. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


101 


Q.  What  is  contained  in  the 
fii-st  chapter  ? 

A.  A  prophecy  of  the  Ba- 
bylonish captivity. 

Q.  Is  any  of  this  quoted  in 
the  New  Testament? 

A.  It  is,  by  Paul,  Acts 
xiii.  41. 

Q.  What  does  it  say  of  God's 
hatred  of  sin? 

A.  Thou  art  of  purer  eyes 
than  to  behold  evil,  and  canst 
not  look  upon  iniquity. 

Q,  What  is  contained  in  the 
second  chapter? 

A.  The  judgment  of  the 
Chaldeans  for  their  oppres- 
sion. 

Q.  What  passage  in  it  is 
quoted  three  times  by  Paul  ? 

A.  The  just  shall  live  by 
his  faith.  Eom.  i.  17 :  Gal.  iii. 
11 :  Ileb.  X.  38. 

Q.  What  great  promise  does 
it  contain? 


A.  The  earth  shall  be 
filled  with  the  knowledge  of 
the  glory  of  the  Lord,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea. 

Q.  What  is  contained  in  the 
third  chapter? 

A.  A  prayer,  or  sublime 
psalm. 

Q.  How  does  Habakkuk  set 
forth  God's  majesty? 

A.  By  a  reference  to  the 
miracles  wrought  for  Israel  ? 

Q.  How  does  he  express  his 
faith  in  God? 

A.  Although  the  fig-tree 
shall  not  blossom,  neither 
shall  fruit  be  in  the  vines, 
the  labor  of  the  olives  shall 
fail,  and  the  fields  shall  yield 
no  meat,  the  flock  shall  be 
cut  off  from  the  fold,  and 
there  shall  be  no  herd  in  the 
stalls,  yet  I  will  rejoice  in 
the  Lord,  I  will  joy  in  the 
God  of  my  salvation. 


LESSON   LXVI. 


Q.  What  is  the  thirty -sixth 
book  of  the  Bible? 

A.  Zephaniah. 

Q.  Who  was  Zephaniah  ? 

A.  The  son  of  Cushi. 
Zeph.  i. 

Q.  When  did  he  prophesy  ? 

A.  In  the  days  of  Josiah 
and  Amon,  kings  of  Judah. 

Q.  Onwhom  does  he  denounce 
judgments  ? 
9* 


A.  On  Judah,  Philistia, 
Moab,  Ammon,  Ethiopia,  and 
Assyria. 

Q.  How  does  he  close  his  pro- 
phecy? 

A.  By  a  prediction  of  the 
restoration  of  Israel  and  Ju- 
dah. 

Q.  What  is  the  thirty-seventh 
book  of  the  Bible? 
A.  Haggai. 


102 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Wlien  did  he  prophesy? 
A.   In  the  second  year  of 
Darius.     Haggai  i. 

Q.  What  does  it  contain? 

A.  Reproofs  of  the  Jews 
for  not  building  the  temple, 
and  promises  to  excite  them 
to  build  it. 

Q.  Was  the  second  temple  as 
magnificent  as  the  first? 

A.  It  was  not.     Hag.  ii. 

Q.  How  did  he  say  it  should 
become  more  glorious  than  that? 

A.  The  desire  of  all  na- 
tions shall  come,  and  I  will 
fill  this  house  with  glory: 
the  glory  of  this  latter  house 
shall  be  greater  than  of  the 
former,  and  in  this  place  will 
I  gife  peace. 

Q.  When  was  this  fulfilled? 

A.  When  Christ  taught  in 
the  temple. 

Q.  Who  quotes  a  part  of  this 
prophecy? 

A.  Paul.    Heb.  xii.  26. 

Q.  What  is  the  thirty- eighth 
bool£  of  the  Bible? 

A.  Zechariah. 

Q.  Who  was  Zechariah  ? 

A.  The  son  of  Barachiah, 
the  son  of  Iddo,  the  prophet. 
Zech.  i. 

Q.  What  does  it  contain? 

A.  Visions  and  predictions 
concerning  the  building  of 
the  temple,  the  restoration 


of  the  Jews,  and  the  punish- 
ment of  their  enemies. 

Q.  By  whom  was  the  temple 
to  be  finished? 

A.  By  Zerubbabel. 

Q.  How  was  it  to  be  done  ? 

A.  Not  by  might,  nor  by 
power,  but  by  my  Spirit, 
saith  the  Lord  of  hosts.  Zech. 
iv. 

Q.  Do  the  evangelists  allude 
to  the  prediction,  in  chapter  ix., 
of  Christ's  triumphant  entry  into 
Jerusalem? 

A.  They  do.  Matt.  xxi. 
5  ;  John  xii.  15. 

Q.  Does  Matthew  quote  his 
reference  in  chapter  xi.  to  the 
thirty  jiieces  of  silver  cast  to  the 
potter? 

A.  He  does,  and  refers  it 
to  the  purchase  of  the  pot- 
ter's field  with  the  thirty 
pieces  of  silver  for  which 
Judas  betrayed  Christ.  Matt. 
xxvi.  9. 

Q.  "What  great  prediction  is 
contained  in  the  thirteenth  chap- 
ter? 

A.  In  that  day  there  shall 
be  a  fountain  opened  to  the 
house  of  David,  and  to  the 
inhabitants  of  Jerusalem,  for 
sin  and  for  uncleanness. 

Q.  What  passage  in  the  thir- 
teenth chapter  is  quoted  by 
Christ? 

A.  Smite  the  shepherd, 
and  the  sheep  shall  be  scat- 
tered.   Matt.  xxvi.  31. 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


103 


LESSON   LXVII. 


Q.  What  is  the   thirty  -  ninth 
book  of  the  Bible  ? 
A.  Malachi. 

Q.  What  is  the  burden  of  his 
prophecy? 

A.  Denunciation  of  judg- 
ments upon  the  Jews  for 
their  neglect  of  the  worship 
of  God,  and  their  manifold 
wickedness. 

Q.  What  prediction  in  the 
third  chapter  is  applied  to  John 
the  Baptist  by  the  evangelists  ? 

A.  Behold,  I  will  send  my 
messenger,  and  he  shall  pre- 
pare the  way  before  me. 
Matt.  xi.  10:  Mark  i.  2: 
Luke  i.  76  ;  vii.  27. 

Q.  What  prediction  in  the 
fourth  chapter  is  applied  to  John 
the  Baptist? 

A.  Behold,  I  will  send 
you  Elijah  the  prophet. 
Matt.  xi.  13,  14:  Mark  ix. 
11-13  :  Luke  i.  16,  17. 

Q.  What  is  said  in  the  thii'd 
chapter  of  the  righteous? 

A.  Then  they  that  feared 
the  Lord  spoke  often  one  to 
another ;  and  the  Lord  hear- 
kened and  heard  it,  and  a 
book  of  remembrance  was 
written  before  him  for  them 
that  feared  the  Lord  and 
that  thought  upon  his  name. 


Q.  What  promise  is  given 
them? 

A.  And  they  shall  be 
mine,  saith  the  Lord,  when 
I  make  up  my  jewels ;  and 
I  will  spare  them  as  a  man 
spareth  his  own  son  that 
serveth  him. 

Q.  What  is  said  in  the  fourth 
chapter  of  the  wicked? 

A.  The  day  that  cometh 
shall  burn  them  up. 

Q.  What  does  the  Lord  say 
to  those  who  fear  his  name  ? 

A.  But  unto  you  that  fear 
my  name  shall  the  Sun  of 
righteousness  arise  with  heal- 
ing in  his  wings. 

Q.  Does  Malachi  close  the  Old 
Testament  ? 

A.  He  does. 

Q,  Are  not  then  the  books 
called  Apocrypha  any  part  of 
the  Old  Testament? 

A.  They  are  not. 

Q.  How  does  that  appear? 

A.  They  were  not  written 
either  in  Hebrew  or  Chaldee, 
as  was  the  Old  Testament; 
they  were  not  considered  any 
part  of  Scripture  by  the 
Jews ;  they  are  not  quoted 
by  Christ  or  his  apostles; 
and  they  contain  many  fool- 
ish and  erroneous  things. 


104  SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


THE   CREED. 


I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of  heaven  and 
earth;  and  in  Jesus  Christ,  his  only  Son,  our  Lord;  who 
was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary ; 
suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried; 
the  third  day  he  rose  again  from  the  dead ;  he  ascended  into 
heaven,  and  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Al- 
mighty ;  from  thence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and 
the  dead;  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  Holy  Catholic 
Church ;  the  communion  of  saints  ;  the  forgiveness  of  sins  ;  the 
resurrection  of  the  body  ;  and  the  life  everlasting.     Amen. 


In  God  I  believe,  the  great  Father  on  high, 
Almighty  Creator  of  earth  and  of  sky ; 
I  also  confess  and  I  solemnly  own 
My  faith  in  his  only  adorable  Son. 

The  only-begotten  of  God,  whom  we  call 
Christ  Jesus,  I  own  as  the  Lord  over  all : 
Conceived  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  he  as  a  child 
Of  Mary  the  Virgin  was  born  undefiled. 

By  sentence  of  Pilate,  called  Pontius,  he  was 
In  suffering  extreme  put  to  death  on  the  cross ; 
Was  buried ;  the  third  day  he  rose  from  the  tomb  ; 
Ascended  in  pomp  to  his  heavenly  home. 

And  there  at  the  right  hand  of  God  in  the  sky, 
The  Father  Almighty,  he  sitteth  on  high  ; 
From  thence,  at  the  end  of  the  world,  he  shall  come 
The  quick  and  the  dead  in  the  judgment  to  doom. 

The  Holy  Ghost,  also,  in  him  I  believe ; 
The  holy  Church  Catholic,  too,  I  receive ; 
Communion  of  saints,  the  forgiveness  of  sin, 
Release  from  the  grave,  and  life  endless.     Amen. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


105 


THE   LORD^S   PRAYER. 


■f^s^Ms^M 


m^m^^^. 


t=^. 


Our  Father,  Who  dost  dwell  "Where  heav'nly     bosoms    swell 


^^ 


fci 


5 


Trr'-  r  f 


-m^^m 


Jtz*^ 


-F-t^-^- 


--0=^ 


T-f 


With  joy  and    love:      Thy  namo  be     hallow'd  still;    Thy  kingdom 


^^^^^ 


J—i 


i=* 


come ;   thy  will  Let  all        on  earth    ful  -  fil,    As    all    above. 


9^g^rf^=a 


i^^ 


f— 


m 


m 


=1t:i 


0  give  us,  day  by  day. 
Our  daily  bread,  we  pray  : 

By  tliee  we  live. 
To  us  thy  mercy  send — 
As  pardon  we  extend 
To  those  who  us  oflFend, 

Our  sins  forgive. 

By  no  temptation  may 
We  e'er  be  led  astray — 

Save  us  from  sin. 
The  kingdom  is  thine  own, 
The  power  is  thine  alone. 
The  glory  decks  thy  throne, 

Ever.     Amen. 


106 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS. 

In  chanting  style. 


^ 


mm^Mm 


On 


m^r 


3=^ 


Si  -  nai,    robed  in    smoke  and  flame,      Je- 


j=j-^}-4=.. 


z:^ 


ho  vail  did  these  words  proclaim :  I 


m 


V3 


the      Lord    thy 

34 


^m 


mm 


God 


;§ES; 


lone,     No    gods 


-  fore        mo        shalt  thou  oAvn. 


^^|i^^^=^l 


No  image  sliall  be  graved  by  thee, 
Like  aught  in  heaven,  or  earth,  or  sea, 
To  bow  down  to  or  serve,  for  I 
Am  God,  the  jealous  God,  most  high. 

The  sins  of  fathers  who  transgress 
I  visit  on  their  guilty  race — 
Children  of  children's  children,  those 
Who  place  themselves  among  my  foes. 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM.  107 

But  mercy  shall  to  thousands  be 
Of  such  as  give  their  hearts  to  me: 
Those  wlio  my  righteous  laws  regard 
Shall  find  my  mercy  their  reward. 

Take  not  in  vain  the  name  of  God — 
The  Lord  thy  God — whose  vengeful  rod 
Will  never  guilty  wretches  spare 
Whose  lips  profane  his  anger  dare. 

Remember  that  the  Sabbath  be 
Kept  holy — from  all  labor  free — 
Thy  work  in  six  days  must  be  done, 
The  seventh  day  is  the  Lord's  alone. 

On  this  day  thou  thyself  must  rest ; 
Son,  daughter,  man  and  maid,  and  beast, 
Strangers  within  thy  gates  who  stay 
Must  like  thyself  observe  this  day. 

For  heaven,  and  earth,  and  sea,  the  Lord 
In  six  days  made  and  duly  stored. 
Rested  the  seventh  day,  therefore  blessed 
And  sanctified  the  day  of  rest. 

Grive  to  thy  father  honor  due. 
Like  reverence  to  thy  mother,  too ;  . 
So  shall  thy  daj^s  extended  be 
Upon  the  land  God  giveth  thee. 

Thou  shalt  not  as  a  murd'rer  kill, 
Coaimit  adultery,  or  steal. 
Against  thy  neighbor  bear  thou  not 
False  witness  his  fair  fame  to  blot. 

Covet  thou  not  thy  neighbor's  house, 
Covet  thou  not  thy  neighbor's  spouse, 
His  man  or  maid,  his  ox  or  ass, 
Or  any  thing  thy  neighbor  has. 

Have  mercy  on  us,  Lord,  incline 
Our  hearts  to  keep  this  law  of  thine ; 
Thy  precepts  write  on  every  heart, 
That  we  may  ne'er  from  thee  depart. 


108  SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


The  following  verses  are  taken  from  Divine  Songs,  by  Dr. 
Watts: 

THE    TEN    COMMANDMENTS 

1.  Thou  shalt  have  no  more  gods  but  me. 

2.  Before  no  idol  bow  thy  knee. 

3.  Take  not  the  name  of  God  in  vain. 

4.  Nor  dare  the  Sabbath  day  profane. 

5.  Give  both  thy  parents  honor  due. 

6.  Take  heed  that  thou  no  murder  do. 

7.  Abstain  from  words  and  deeds  unclean. 

8.  Nor  steal,  though  thou  art  poor  and  mean. 

9.  Nor  make  a  wilful  lie,  nor  love  it, 

10.  What  is  thy  neighbor's  dare  not  covet. 


THE  SUM  OF  THE  COMMANDMENTS. 

With  all  thy  soul  love  God  above, 
And  as  thyself  thy  neighbor  love. 

OUR    SAVIOUR'S    GOLDEN   RULE. 

Matthew  vii.  12. 

Be  you  to  others  kind  and  true, 
As  you  'd  have  others  be  to  you ; 
And  neither  do  nor  say  to  men 
Whate'er  you  would  not  take  again. 

DUTY  TO  GOD  AND  OUR  NEIGHBOR. 

Love  God  with  all  your  soul  and  strength, 
With  all  your  heart  and  mind  ; 

And  love  your  neighbor  as  yourself, 
Be  faithful,  just,  and  kind. 

Deal  with  another  as  you'd  have 

Another  deal  with  you : 
What  you  're  unwilling  to  receive 

Be  sure  you  never  do. 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM 


VOLUME   II. 


BY 

THOMAS    0.    SUMMEllS 


SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 

1861. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1858,  by 

J.    B.   M'FERRIN, 
in  the  Office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Middle 

District  of  Tennessee. 


STEREOTYPED    AND   PRINTED  BY  A.  A.  STITT, 
SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE,  NASHVILLE,  TENN. 


] 


XtiKtt, 


The  design  of  this  Catecliism  is  to  furnish  children 
with  a  general  view  of  every  book  in  the  inspired 
Yolume.  To  do  this  in  a  small  compass,  and  yet  de- 
scend as  much  to  detail  as  is  necessary  to  give  interest 
to  the  work,  involved  considerable  diflSiculty  and  no 
small  labor.  Brevity  and  simplicity  have  alike  been 
consulted,  while  the  lessons  are  so  framed  and  arranged 
that  they  may  be  made  the  basis  of  catechetical  instruc- 
tion in  the  case  of  young  persons  more  advanced  than 
those  for  whom  they  are  specially  designed.  It  is  hoped 
that  this  Catechism  may  take  the  place  of  less  suitable 
works  for  Sunday-school  and  family  instruction. 

Nashville,  Tenn.,  Nov.  11,  1858. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM 


LESSON   I. 


Q.  Into  how  many  classes  are 
the  twenty- seven  books  of  the 
New  Testament  divided? 

A.  Three. 

Q.  What  does  the  first  class 
contain? 

A.  Histories. 

Q.  What  does  the  second  class 
contain? 

A.  Epistles,  or  Letters. 

Q.  Wliat  does  the  third  class 
contain? 

A.  Prophecies. 

Q.  Which  are  the  historical 
books? 

A.  Matthew,  Mark,  Luke, 
John,  and  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles. 

Q.  What  are  the  first  four 
called? 

A.  Gospels. 

Q.  Why  are  they  so  called? 

A.  Because  they  contain 
the  good  news  concerning 
Jesus  Christ. 

Q.  Who  was  Matthew? 

A.  Son  of  Alphseus:  he 


was  first  a  publican,  and  then 
one  of  the  apostles:  he  is 
also  called  Levi.  Matt.  ix. 
9  ;  X.  3  :  Mark  ii.  14. 

Q.  Who  was  Mark? 

A.  Sister's  son  to  Barna- 
bas: his  Hebrew  name  was 
John.  Acts  xii.  2:  Col.  iv. 
10. 

Q.  Who  was  Luke  ? 

A.  A  Gentile,  and  a  phy- 
sician.    Col.  iv.  14. 

Q.  Who  was  John? 
A.  A  fisherman,  the    son 
of  Zebedee,  and  one  of  the 
Matt.  iv.  21 :  x.  2. 


Q.  Who  wrote  the  Acts? 

A.  Luke.  Luke  i.  3  :  Acts 
i.  1. 

Q.  Can  you  name  the  Epistles  ? 

A.  Romans,  1  and  2  Cor- 
inthians, Galatians,  Ephe- 
sians,  Philippians,  Colos- 
sians,  1  and  2  Thessalonians, 
1  and  2  Timothy,  Titus, 
Philemon,  Hebrews,  James, 
(5) 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


1  and  2  Peter,  1,  2,  and  3 
John,  and  Jude. 

Q.  Who  wrote  the  first  foui*- 
teen? 

A.  Paul. 

Q.  Who  was  Paul? 

A.  He  was  first  a  perse- 
cutor of  the  Church,  and  then 
Apostle  of  the  Gentiles.  Acts 
ix. :  1  Tim.  i.  1,  12,  13. 

Q.  Wlio  was  James? 

A.  Not  that  James  who 
was  the  brother  of  John,  but 
another  of  the  apostles,  called 
James  the  Less,  son  of  Al- 
phaeus  and  Mary.  Matt.  x. 
3  :  Mark  xvi.  1. 

Q.  Who  was  Peter? 

A.  Son  of  Jonas :  he  was 
first  a  fisherman  and  then  an 
apostle:  he  is  also  called 
Simon  and  Cephas.  Matt, 
iv.  18  ;  X.  2 :  John  i.  40-42. 


Q.  Who  was  John? 

A.  The  same  who  wrote 
the  Gospel. 

Q.  Who  was  Jude  ? 

A.  One  of  the  apostles, 
called  Judas,  Thaddeus,  and 
Lebbeus :  he  was  the  brother 
of  James  the  Less.  Matt.  x. 
3  ;  xiii.  55  :  John  xiv.  22. 

Q.  Why  are  the  Epistles  of 
James,  Peter,  John,  and  Jude 
called  General  or  Catholic? 

A.  Probably  because  they 
were  not  directed  to  any  par- 
ticular persons,  or  churches, 
as  were  Paul's. 

Q.  Which  is  the  book  of  pro- 
phecies? 

A.  The  Revelation  of  St. 
John  the  Divine. 

Q.  Who  was  this  John? 

A.  The  same  who  wrote 
the  Gospel  and  Epistles. 


LESSON   II. 


Q.  From  whom  did  Jesus 
Christ  descend? 

A.    From    Abraham    and 
David.     Matt.  i. :  Luke  iii. 
Q.  Who  was  his  mother? 
A.  A  virgin  called  Mary. 

Q.  Had  he  any  other  father 
than  God? 

A.  He  had  not. 

Q.  Why  was  Joseph  called  his 
father? 

A.  Because  he  became  the 
husband  of  his  mother. 


Q.  Who  predicted  that  he 
should  be  born  of  a  virgin? 

A.  Isaiah,  the  prophet. 
Isa.  vii.  14. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  his  name 
should  be  ? 

A.  Emmanuel. 

Q.  What  does  that  mean? 

A.  God  with  us. 

Q.  What  does  John  say  about 
him? 

A,  In  the  beginning  waa 
the  Word,  and  the  "Word  waa 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


with  God,  and  the  Word  was 
God.     John  i. 

Q.  Does  lie  say  all  tilings  were 
made  by  him? 
A.  He  does. 

Q.  Wliat  else  does  he  say  of 
him? 

A.  In  him  was  life,  and 
the  life  was  the  light  of  men. 

Q.  What  else  ? 

A.  He  came  unto  his  own, 
and  his  own  received  him 
not. 

Q.  What  privilege  have  those 
who  receive  him,  or  believe  on 
his  name  ? 

A.  Power  to  become  the 
sons  of  God. 

Q.  How  was  the  Word  mani- 
fested? 

A.  The  Word  was  made 
flesh,  and  dwelt  among  us, 
(and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the 
glory  as  of  the  only-begotten 
of  the  Father,)  full  of  grace 
and  truth. 

Q.  Wlio  was  sent  from  God  to 
bear  witness  of  him? 

A.  John  the  Baptist. 

Q.  Who  were  John's  parents? 

A.  Zacharias,  a  priest,  and 
Elisabeth.    Luke  i. 

Q.  What  was  their  character  ? 

A.  They  were  both  right- 
eous before  God,  walking  in  all 
the  commandments  and  ordi- 
nances of  the  Lord  blameless. 

Q.  When  the  angel  Gabriel 
told  Zacharias  that  he  should 
have  a  son,  to  be  called  John, 
describing  his  character  and  of- 
fice, did  Zacharias  believe  him? 


A.  No  :  he  thought  he  was 
too  old  to  have  a  son. 

Q.  What  did  the  angel  tell 
him? 

A.  That  he  should  be 
dumb  until  John  was  born. 

Q.  To  whom  did  the  angel  go 
after  this? 

A.  To  Mary,  who  was  at 
Nazareth. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  her? 

A.  Hail,  thou  that  art 
highly  favored,  the  Lord  is 
with  thee:  blessed  art  thou 
among  women. 

Q.  When  she  was  troubled  at 
this,  what  did  he  tell  her  ? 

A.  That  she  should  have 
a  son,  and  should  call  his 
name  Jesus. 

Q.  What  reason  did  he  give 
for  this  name  ? 

A.  For  he  shall  save  his 
people  from  their  sins. 

Q.  What  else  should  he  be 
called? 

A.  The  Son  of  God. 

Q.  Where  did  Mary  then  go  ? 

A.  To  see  Elisabeth  and 
rejoice  with  her. 

Q.  How  long  did  she  stay  with 
her? 

A.  Three  months. 

Q.  What  happened  when  John 
was  eight  days  old,  as  they  were 
going  to  circumcise  him? 

A.  They  called  him  Zach- 
arias, but  his  mother  said  he 
should  be  called  John. 

Q.  How  was  the  case  decided  ? 

A.  His  fixther  called  for  a 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


writing-table,  and  wrote,  His 
name  is  John. 

Q.  What  then  took  place? 
A.   Zacharias   opened    his 
mouth  and  praised  God. 

Q.  How  did  he  show  his  joy? 
A.  In  a  sublime  hymn,  in 


which  he  described  the  cha- 
racter and  work  of  botli 
Jesus  and  John. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  John? 

A.  The  child  grew  and 
waxed  strong  in  spirit,  and 
was  in  the  deserts  till  the  day 
of  his  showing  unto  Israel. 


LESSON    III. 


Q.  Where  was  Jesus  Christ 
horn? 

A.  In  Bethlehem,  of  Ju- 
dea.     Matt.  ii. :  Luke  ii. 

Q.  When  was  he  born? 

A.  In  the  days  of  Herod, 
the  king  of  Judea,  and  Au- 
gustus, the  emperor  of  Rome. 

Q.  What  did  his  mother  do 
with  him  at  his  birth? 

A.  Wrapped  him  in  swad- 
dling clothes,  and  laid  him  in 
a  manger ;  because  there  was 
no  room  for  them  in  the  inn. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  An  angel  appeared  to 
some  shepherds  who  were 
keeping  watch  over  their 
flock  by  night,  and  they  were 
sore  afraid. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  Fear  not ;  for,  behold,  I 
bring  you  good  tidings  of 
great  joy,  which  shall  be  to 
all  people.  For  unto  you  is 
born  this  day,  in  the  city  of 
David,  a  Saviour,  which  is 
Christ  the  Lord. 


Q.  "Who  came  with  the  angel  ? 

A.  A  multitude  of  the 
heavenly  host,  praising  God, 
and  saying,  Glory  to  God  in 
the  highest,  and  on  earth 
peace,  good  will  toward  men. 

Q.  What  did  the  shepherds  do? 

A.  Went  to  Betlilehem 
and  found  Mary  and  Joseph, 
and  the  babe  lying  in  a  man- 
ger. 

Q.  Did  they  tell  of  all  this? 

A.  They  did. 

Q,  Was  Jesus  circumcised  on 
the  eighth  day  ? 

A.  He  was. 

Q.  When  he  was  presented  to 
the  Lord  in  the  temple,  what 
took  place? 

A.  Simeon,  a  holy  man, 
took  him  up  in  his  arms,  and 
blessed  God. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  Lord,  now  lettest  thou 
thy  servant  depart  in  peace, 
according  to  thy  word ;  for 
mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  sal- 
vation, which  thou  hast  pre- 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


pared  before  the  face  of  all 
people :  a  light  to  lighten  the 
Gentiles,  and  the  glory  of  thy 
people  Israel. 

Q.  How  did  this  aflfect  Joseph 
aud  Mary  ? 

A.  They  marvelled  at 
■what  Simeon  said. 

Q.  What  did  Simeon  do  to 
them? 

A.  Blessed  them,  and  told 
them  what  should  be  the  fate 
of  the  child. 

Q.  Who  else  was  in  the  temple 


giving  thanks  for  the  birth  of 
Jesus  ? 

A.  Anna,  a  prophetess,  a 
holy  widow,  eighty-four  years 
old. 

Q.  Whither  did  Joseph  and 
Mary  thou  take  Jesus  ? 

A.  To  Nazareth. 

Q.  "WTiat  is  said  of  the  child? 

A.  He  grew  strong  in 
spirit,  filled  with  wisdom, 
and  the  grace  of  God  was 
with  him. 


LESSON   IV. 


Q.  When  Jesus  was  born,  who 
came  from  the  East  to  Jerusa- 
lem? 

A.  Wise  men.     Matt.  ii. 

Q.  Wliat  did  they  inquire  ? 

A.  Where  is  he  that  is 
born  King  of  the  Jews  ?  for 
we  have  seen  his  star  in  the 
east,  and  are  come  to  worship 
him. 

Q.  How  was  Herod  affected? 

A.  He  was  troubled,  and 
all  Jerusalem  with  him. 

Q.  What  did  he  do? 

A.  Gathered  all  the  chief 
priests  and  scribes,  and  asked 
them  where  Christ  should  be 
born. 

Q.  What  did  they  say? 

A.  In  Bethlehem  of  Ju- 
dea ;  for  thus  it  is  written  by 
the  prophet. 


Q.  What  prophecy  did  they 
quote? 
A.  Micah  v.  2. 

Q.  What  did  he  secretly  in- 
quire of  the  wise  men? 

A.  The  time  the  star  ap- 
peared. 

Q.  Whither  did  he  send  them  ? 

A.  To  Bethlehem,  to  search 
for  the  child. 

Q.  How  were  they  directed  to 
the  house  where  the  child 
was? 

A.  By  the  star. 

Q.  Wlien  they  came  into  the 
house,  what  did  they  do  ? 

A.  Fell  down  and  wor- 
shipped the  child. 

Q.  What  else  did  they  do? 

A.  Presented  unto  him 
gifts :  gold,  frankincense,  and 
myrrh. 


10 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Did  they  return  to  Herod  ? 
A.  No :  God  warned  them 
not  to  do  so. 

Q.  What  did  Joseph  do  with 
the  child? 

A.  Took  him  and  his  mo- 
ther by  night,  and  went  to 
Egypt. 

Q.  Why  did  he  do  this? 

A.  An  angel  in  a  dream 
told  him  to  do  so,  because 
Herod  wanted  to  kill  Jesus. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  stay  there  ? 

A.  Till  the  death  of  Herod. 

Q.  What  prophecy  was  thus 
fuimied? 

A.  Out  of  Egypt  have  I 
called  my  son.     Hosea  xi.  1. 

Q.  What  did  Herod  do  when  the 
wise  men  failed  to  return  to  hirn  ? 

A.  lie  was  very  angry,  and 
had  all  the  children  slain  that 
were  in  Bethlehem  and  its 
coasts,  from  two  years  old  and 
under,  hoping  to  kill  Jesus. 

Q.  What  prophecy  was  thus 
fullilled? 

A.  That  of  Jeremiah,  xxxi. 
15. 

Q.  After  the  death  of  Herod, 
what  happened? 

A.  An  angel  in  a  dream 
told  Joseph  to  return  to  the 
land  of  Israel  ? 

Q.  Did  he  do  so? 

A.  Yes,  he  went  and  dwelt 
in  Nazareth. 

Q.  What  prophecy  was  thus 
fulfilled? 

A.  He  shall  be  called  a 
Nazarene. 


Q.  What  happened  when  he 
was  twelve  years  old? 

A.  His  parents  took  him 
to  Jerusalem  at  the  passover. 
Luke  ii.  41. 

Q.  ^Mien  they  were  returning, 
what  did  they  discover? 

A.  That  Jesus  was  missing. 

Q.  What  did  they  do? 

A.  Went  back  to  Jerusa- 
lem to  seek  him. 

Q.  After  three  days'  search, 
where  did  they  hnd  him  ? 

A.  In  the  temple,  sitting 
in  the  midst  of  the  doctors, 
both  hearing  them  and  asking 
them  questions. 

Q.  How  were  they  aflfected 
when  they  saw  him  ? 

A.  They  were  amazed. 

Q.  What  did  his  mother  say 
to  him? 

A.  Son,  why  hast  thou 
thus  dealt  with  us?  behold, 
thy  father  and  I  have  sought 
thee  sorrowing. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  them? 

A.  How  is  it  that  ye  sought 
me  ?  wist  ye  not  that  I  must 
be  about  my  Father's  busi- 
ness? 

Q.  Did  they  understand  him? 

A.  They  did  not. 

Q.  What  then  took  place? 

A.  They  returned  to  Naz- 
areth, and  Jesus  was  subject 
unto  them. 

Q.  What  else  is  said  of  him  ? 

A.  Jesus  increased  in  wis- 
dom and  stature,  and  in  favor 
with  God  and  man. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


11 


LESSON    V. 


Q.  Who  came  in  those  days 
preaching  in  the  wilderness  of 
Judea? 

A.  John  the  Baptist.  Matt, 
iii. :  Luke  iii. :  Mark  i. 

Q.  ^Yhen  was  this? 

A.  In  the  fifteenth  jear  of 
the  reign  of  Tiberius  Coesar. 

Q.  Who  was  governor  of  Ju- 
dea? 

A.  Pontius  Pilate. 

Q.  Who  was  tetrarch  of  Gali- 
lee? 

A.  Herod. 

Q.  Who  were  the  high-priests  ? 

A.  Annas  and  Caiaphas. 

Q.  What  did  John  preach? 

A.  Repent  ye,  for  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  is  at  hand. 

Q.  Who  had  prophesied  of 
him? 

A.  Isaiah  and  Malachi. 

Q.  What  did  Isaiah  say? 

A.  The  voice  of  one  cry- 
ing in  the  vrilderness,  Pre- 
pare ye  the  way  of  the  Lord, 
make  his  paths  straight.  Isa. 
xl.  3. 

Q.  What  did  Malachi  pro- 
phesy? 

A.  Behold,  I  will  send  my 
messenger,  and  he  shall  pre- 
pare the  way  before  me.  Mai. 
iii.  1. 

Q.  Whatwas  John's  clothing? 

A.  Camel's  hair  and  a 
leathern  girdle. 


Q.  What  was  his  food? 

A.  Locusts  and  wild  honey. 

Q.  Who  went  out  to  him? 

A.  A  multitude  of  people. 

Q.  ^Vliat  did  he  do  to  them? 

A.  He  told  them  to  repent, 
and  when  they  promised  to 
do  so,  he  baptized  them. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  tho 
Pharisees  and  Sadducees? 

A.  He  told  them  that  their 
being  children  of  Abraham 
would  not  save  them  from 
God's  judgments  if  they  did 
not  repent. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  the  people 
to  do? 

A.  To  be  liberal  to  the 
poor. 

Q.  Wliat  did  he  say  to  the 
publicans,  or  tax-gatherers  ? 

A.  Exact  no  more  than  that 
which  is  appointed  you. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  the  sol- 
diers ? 

A.  Do  violence  to  no  man, 
neither  accuse  any  falsely, 
and  be  content  with  your 
wages. 

Q.  When  the  people  thought 
he  was  the  Christ,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  I  indeed  baptize  you  with 
water ;  but  one  mightier  than 
I  Cometh,  the  latchet  of  whose 
shoes  I  am  not  worthy  to  un- 
loose: he  shall  baptize  you 


12 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


with   the  Holy  Ghost,   and 
^vith  fire. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  John  baptized  Jesus. 

Q.  What  happened  at  his  bap- 
tism? 

A.    The  Holy  Ghost   de- 


scended like  a  dove,  and 
lighted  upon  him,  and  a  voice 
from  heaven  said,  This  is  my 
beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am 
well  pleased. 

Q.  How  old  was  Jesus  then? 

A.  About  thirty  years  of 
age. 


LESSON   VI. 


Q.  What  happened  after  Jesus 
had  fasted  forty  days  in  the  wil- 
derness? 

A.  He  was  tempted  of  the 
devil.     Matt.  iv. :  Luke  iv. 

Q.  What  was  the  first  tempta- 
tion? 

A.  If  thou  be  the  Son  of 
God,  command  that  these 
stones  be  made  bread. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  this  ? 

A.  It  is  written,  Man  shall 
not  live  by  bread  alone,  but 
by  every  word  that  proceed- 
eth  out  of  the  mouth  of  God. 

.   Q.    What    was    the    second 
temptation? 

A.  The  devil  put  him  on  a 
pinnacle  of  the  temple,  and 
said,  If  thou  be  the  Son  of 
God,  cast  thyself  down ;  for 
it  is  written.  He  shall  give 
his  angels  charge  concerning 
thee  ;  and  in  their  hands  they 
shall  bear  thee  up,  lest  at  any 
time  thou  dash  thy  foot 
against  a  stone. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply? 

A.    It    is  written    again, 


Thou  shalt  not   tempt    the 
Lord  thy  God. 

Q.  What  was  the  third  temp- 
tation ? 

A.  The  devil  showed  him 
all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world, 
and  the  glory  of  them,  and 
said.  All  these  things  will  I 
give  thee,  if  thou  wilt  fall 
down  and  worship  me. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply? 

A.  Get  thee  hence,  Satan  ; 
for  it  is  written.  Thou  shalt 
worship  the  Lord  thy  God, 
and  him  only  shalt  thoi* 
serve. 

Q.  With  what  weapon  did 
Jesus  conquer  Satan? 

A.  The  sword  of  the  Spirit, 
which  is  the  word  of  God. 

Q.   From  what  book  did  he 
quote  ? 
A.  Deuteronomy. 

Q.  When  the  devil  left  him, 
who  came  and  ministered  unto 
him? 

A.  Angels. 

Q.  When  he  was  at  Nazareth, 
what  took  place? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


18 


A.  He  preached  in  the 
synagogue.     Luke  iv.  16. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about  the 
prophecy  which  he  read  in  the 
book  of  Isaiah,  Ixi.  1,  2? 

A.  This  day  is  this  scrip- 
ture fulfilled  in  your  ears. 

Q.  What  was  the  general 
topic  of  his  preaching? 

A.  Repent,  for  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  is  at  hand. 

Q.  How  did  the  people  re- 
ceive him? 

A.  They  wondered  at  liis 
discourse,  and  said,  Is  not 
this  Joseph's  son  ? 


Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  ? 
A.  No  prophet  is  accepted 
in  his  own  country. 

Q.  When  the  people  were  an- 
gry with  him,  and  were  going  to 
kill  him,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Passed  through  the 
midst  of  them,  and  went  his 
way. 

Q.  Whither  did  lie  go  ? 

A.  To  Capernaum  in  Ga- 
lilee. 

Q.  What  prophecy  was  thus 
fulfilled? 

A.  That  of  Isaiah.  Isa. 
ix.  1,  2. 


LESSON    VII. 


Q.  When  the  Jews  sent  priests 
and  Levites  to  ask  John  who  he 
was,  what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  He  said  he  was  not 
the  Christ,  but  only  the  voice 
of  one  crying  in  the  wilder- 
ness. Make  straight  the  way 
of  the  Lord.     John  i.  19. 

Q.  When  the  next  day  Jesus 
was  coming  to  him,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  Behold  the  Lamb  of 
God,  which  taketh  away  the 
sin  of  the  world. 

Q.  When  Andrew,  one  of 
John's  disciples,  had  been  with 
Jesus,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Went  to  his  brother 
Simon,  and  said.  We  have 
found  the  Messias ;  and  he 
brought  him  to  Jesus. 


Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  Si- 
mon? 

A.  Thou  art  Simon  the  son 
of  Jon  a :  thou  shalt  be  called 
Cephas. 

Q.  What  does  Cephas  mean? 

A.  The  same  as  Peter,  a 
stone  or  rock. 

Q.  When  Jesus  was  going  the 
next  day  to  Galilee,  what  hap- 
pened? 

A.  He  findeth  Philip,  and 
saith  unto  him,  Follow  me. 

Q.  Where  did  he  belong? 
A.  To  Bethsaida,  the  city 
of  Andrew  and  Peter. 

Q.  When  Philip  found  Natha- 
nael,  what  did  he  say  to  him? 

A.  We  have  found  him  of 
whom  Moses  in  the  law  and 


14 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


the  prophets  did  write,  Jesus 
of  Nazareth,  the  son  of  Jo- 
seph. 

Q.  ^Vhat  did  Nathanael  say  ? 

A.  Can  there  any  good 
thing  come  out  of  Nazareth  ? 

Q.  Wliat  did  Philip  say? 
A.  Come  and  see. 

Q.  When  Jesus  saw  him  com- 
ing, what  did  he  say? 

A.  Behold,  an  Israelite 
indeed,  in  whom  is  no  guile. 

Q.  "What  did  Nathanael  say  ? 

A.  Whence  knowest  thou 
me? 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  answer? 

A,  Before  that  Philip  called 
thee,  when  thou  wast  under 
the  fig-tree,  I  saw  thee. 

Q.  What  did  Nathanael  reply  ? 

A.  Rabbi,  thou  art  the  Son 
of  God:  thou  art  the  King 
of  Israel. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  tell  him  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  see  greater 
things  than  these. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  say  to 
him? 

A.  Hereafter  ye  shall  see 
heaven  open,  and  the  angels 
of  G  od  ascending  and  descend- 
ing upon  the  Son  of  man. 

Q.  What  took  place  on  the 
third  day  ? 

A.  A  marriage  in  Cana  of 
Galilee.    John  ii. 

Q.  Who  were  among  the 
guests  ? 

A.  Jesus,  his  mother,  and 
disciples. 


Q.  When  wine  was  wanted, 
what  did  Jesus  do  ? 

A.  Had  six  waterpots  filled 
with  water,  which  he  turned 
into  wine. 

Q.  Was  this  the  beginning  of 
his  miracles? 

A.  It  was;  and  his  disci- 
ples believed  on  him. 

Q.  After  a  short  visit  to  Ca- 
pernaum, whither  did  he  go  ? 

A.  To  Jerusalem,  to  attend 
the  passover. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  in  the  tem- 
ple? 

A.  Drove  out  the  sheep  and 
oxen  which  were  sold  there. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  those 
who  sold  doves  in  the  temple  ? 

A.  Take  these  things  hence: 
make  not  my  Father's  house 
a  house  of  merchandise. 

Q.  What  scripture  did  this 
suggest  to  the  disciples? 

A.  The  zeal  of  thine  house 
hath  eaten  me  up.  Ps.  Ixix.  9. 

Q.  When  the  Jews  asked  him 
for  a  sign,  what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Destroy  this  temple, 
and  in  three  days  I  will  raise 
it  up. 

Q.  What  did  the  Jews  reply? 

A.  Forty  and  six  years  was 
this  temple  in  building,  and 
wilt  thou  rear  it  up  in  three 
days? 

Q.  What  temple  did  he  mean  ? 

A.  His  body. 

Q.  When  the  people  saw  his 
miracles,  how  were  they  af- 
fected? 

A.  They  believed  on  him. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


15 


Q.  Did  he  commit  liimself  unto 
them  ? 

A.  No :  lie  knew  all  men. 


and  needed  not  that  any 
should  testify  of  man,  for  he 
knew  what  was  in  man. 


LESSON    VIII. 


Q.  Who  came  to  Jesus  by 
night? 

A.  Nicodemus,  a  Pharisee, 
and  a  ruler  of  the  Jews. 
John  iii. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  Jesus  ? 

A.  Rabbi,  we  know  that 
tliou  art  a  teacher  come  from 
God ;  for  no  man  can  do 
these  miracles  that  thou  doest, 
except  God  be  with  him. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  answer? 

A.  Verily,  verily,  I  say 
unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be 
born  again,  he  cannot  see 
the  kingdom  of  God. 

Q.  What  did  Nicodemus  reply? 

A.  How  can  a  man  be  born 
when  he  is  old? 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  answer? 

A.  Verily,  verily,  I  say 
unto  thee.  Except  a  man  be 
born  of  water  and  of  the 
Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into 
the  kingdom  of  God. 

Q.  When  he  showed  the  nature 
and  necessity  of  the  new  birth, 
what  did  Nicodemus  say  ? 

A.  How  can  these  things 
be? 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  answer  ? 

A.  Art  thou  a  master  in 
Israel,  and  knowest  not  these 
things  ? 


Q.  Did  he  tell  him  that  he 
came  from  heaven  to  make 
known  heavenly  things? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  did  he  intimate  about 
his  death? 

A.  As  Moses  lifted  up  the 
serpent  in  the  wilderness, 
even  so  must  the  Son  of  man 
be  lifted  up ;  that  whosoever 
believeth  in  him  should  not 
perish,  but  have  eternal  life. 

Q.  What  glorious  truth  did  he 
announce  ? 

A.  God  so  loved  the  world, 
that  he  gave  his  only-begot- 
ten Son,  that  whosoever  be- 
lieveth in  him  should  not  per- 
ish, but  have  everlasting  life. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  is  the 
condemnation? 

A.  That  light  is  come  into 
the  world,  and  men  loved 
darkness  rather  than  light, 
because  their  deeds  were 
evil. 

Q.  Whither  did  Jesus  next  go  ? 

A.^  Into  Judea,  and  there 
baptized. 

Q.  "Where  was  John  baptizing? 

A.  In  Enon,  near  to  Salim. 

Q.  Wlien  there  arose  a  ques- 
tion among  John's  disciples  and 
the  Jews  about  purifying,  and 
they  told  him  that  all  men  went 


16 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


to  Jesus  to  be  baptized,  what 
didJolin  tell  them? 

A.  I  said,  I  am  not  the 
Christ,  but  that  I  am  sent 
before  him :  he  must  increase, 
but  I  must  decrease. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  further  of 
Christ? 

A.  He  that  cometh  from 
above  is  above  all :  God  giv- 


eth  not  the  Spirit  by  mea- 
sure unto  him. 

Q.  What  about  faith  in  Christ? 

A.  He  that  believeth  on 
the  Son  hath  everlasting  life ; 
and  he  that  believeth  not  the 
Son  shall  not  see  life,  but 
the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on 
him. 


LESSON    IX. 


Q.  When  the  Lord  knew  that 
the  Pharisees  had  heard  of  his 
baptizing  more  disciples  than 
John,  and  that  John  was  cast 
into  prison,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Left  Judea,  and  went 
again  into  Galilee.  Matt.  iv. : 
Mark  i. :  Luke  iv. :  John  iv. 

Q.  Had  he  to  go  through  Sa- 
maria? 

A.  Yes:  Samaria  lay  be- 
tween Judea  and  Galilee. 

Q.  At  what  time  did  he  get  to 
Jacob's  well  at  Sychar? 

A.  At  the  sixth  hour  ;  and 
he  sat  down  at  the  well. 

Q.  When  a  woman  of  Samaria 
came  to  draw  water,  what  did 
Jesus  say  to  her  ? 

A.  Give  me  to  drink. 

Q.  How  did  this  affect  her? 

A.  She  wondered,  because 
the  Jews  had  no  dealings  with 
the  Samaritans. 

Q.  When  Jesus  said  that  if  she 
knew  wlio  he  was  she  would 
have  asked  of  him,  and  he  would 
have  given  her  living  water, 
what  did  she  say  ? 


A.  Sir,  thou  hast  nothing 
to  draw  with,  and  the  well  is 
deep :  from  whence  then  hast 
thou  that  living  water  ?  Art 
thou  greater  than  our  father 
Jacob,  who  gave  us  the  well  ? 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  answer  ? 

A.  "Whosoever  drinketh  of 
this  water  shall  thirst  again  ; 
but  whosoever  drinketh  of 
tlie  water  tliat  I  shall  give 
him,  shall  never  thirst ;  but 
the  water  that  I  shall  give 
him  shall  be  in  him  a  well  of 
water  springing  up  into  ever- 
lasting life. 

Q.  When  she  asked  him  to 
give  her  this  water,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  Go,  call  thy  husband. 

Q.  When  she  said  she  had 
none,  what  did  Jesus  remark? 

A.  That  she  had  had  five 
husbands,  and  he  whom  she 
then  had  was  not  her  hus- 
band. 

Q.  What  did  she  say  to  this? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


17 


A.  Sir,  I  perceive  that 
thou  art  a  prophet. 

Q.  What  question  did  she  wish 
him  to  settle  ? 

A.  Whether  Gerizim  or 
Jerusalem  was  the  proper 
place  for  the  temple. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  her? 

A.  The  hour  cometh  when 
ye  shall  worship  at  neither. 
Ye  worship  ye  know  not 
what :  we  know  what  we 
worship ;  for  salvation  is  of 
the  Jews. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  say  ? 

A.  God  is  a  Spirit,  and 
they  that  worship  him  must 
worship  him  in  spirit  and  in 
truth. 

Q.  When  she  said,  I  know  that 
Messias  cometh,  who  will  tell  us 
all  things,  what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  I  that  speak  unto  thee 
am  he. 

Q.  Who  then  came  to  the  well  ? 

A.  The  disciples,  and  won- 
dered that  he  talked  with  her. 

Q.  What  did  she  do  ? 

A.  Left  her  waterpot,  and 
went  to  the  city,  saying, 
Come,  see  a  man  which  told 
me  all  things  that  ever  I  did : 
is  not  this  the  Christ? 

Q.  When  his  disciples  asked 
him  to  eat,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  I  have  meat  to  eat  that 
ye  know  not  of. 

Q.  When  the  disciples  won- 
dered how  he  got  it,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  My  meat  is  to  do  the 


will  of  him  that  sent  me,  and 
to  finish  his  work. 

Q.  When  the  Samaritans  heard 
the  woman,  did  they  believe  on 
Jesus? 

A.  They  did. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  when 
they  came  to  Jesus? 

A.  Besought  him  to  stay 
with  them. 

Q.  Did  he  stay  with  them? 
A.  Yes :  two  days. 

Q.  What  did  they  then  say  to 
the  woman  ? 

A.  Now  we  believe,  not 
because  of  thy  saying ;  for 
we  have  heard  him  ourselves, 
and  know  that  this  is  indeed 
the  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  the 
world. 

Q.  When  he  was  come  unto 
Galilee,  did  the  Galileans  receive 
him? 

A.  Yes:  having  seen  all 
the  things  he  did  at  Jerusa- 
lem. 

Q.  Who  came  to  him  at  Cana? 

A.  A  nobleman,  beseech- 
ing him  to  heal  his  dying  son. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  ? 
A.  Except  ye  see  signs  and 
wonders,  ye  will  not  believe. 

Q.  What  did  the  man  reply  ? 

A.  Sir,  come  down  ere  my 
child  die. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  Go  thy  way:  thy  son 
liveth. 

Q.  Did  he  recover? 

A.  Yes,  instantly. 


18 


5CRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  miracle  did  he  per- 
form in  the  syuagogue  at  Caper- 
naum ? 

A.  Relieved  a  man  "vrho 
had  an  unclean  spirit. 

Q.  What  miracle  did  he  per- 
form at  the  house  of  Simon 
Peter? 

A.  Healed  Simon's  wife's 
mother,  -who  lay  sick  of  a 
fever. 

Q.  "^Miat  other  miracles  did 
he  perform  at  Capernaum? 

A.  Healed  many  sick  per- 
sons, and  cast  out  many 
devils. 

Q.  Where  did  he  then  preach? 

A.  In  their  synagogues. 


Q.  After  teaching  ont  of  a  fisli- 
ing-boat,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Told  the  fishermen  to 
cast  their  nets.     Luke  v. 

Q.  Did  they  do  so  ? 

A.  They  did,  and  caught 
a  great  many  fishes. 

Q.  Were  they  astonished  at 
this? 

A.  They  were,  greatly. 

Q.  "Wliat  did  they  then  do  ? 

A.  Forsook  all,  and  fol- 
lowed him. 

Q.  Who  were  they? 

A.  Simon  Peter,  and  An- 
drew, his  brother ;  James, 
the  son  of  Zebedee,  and  John, 
his  brother. 


LESSON    X. 


Q.  When  the  mnltitudps  fol- 
lowed Jesus,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Went  up  into  a  moun- 
tain and  taught  them.    Matt. 

V. 

Q.  TIow  did  he  begin  his  ser- 
mon on  the  mount? 
A.  With  blessings. 

Q.  What  is  the  first  beatitude  ? 

A.  Blessed  are  the  poor  in 
spirit,  fi)r  theirs  is  the  king- 
dom of  heaven. 

Q.  What  is  the  second? 

A.  Blessed  are  they  that 
mourn,  for  they  shall  be  com- 
forted. 

Q.  ^Miat  is  the  third  ? 

A,  Blessed  are  the  meek, 


for  they  shall  inherit  the 
earth. 

Q.  What  is  the  fourth? 

A.  Blessed  are  they  which 
do  hunger  and  thirst  aftep 
righteousness,  for  they  shall 
be  filled. 

Q.  What  is  the  fifth? 

A.  Blessed  are  the  merci- 
ful, for  they  shall  obtain 
mercy. 

Q.  What  is  the  sixth? 

A.  Blessed  are  the  pure  in 
heart,  for  they  shall  see  God. 

Q.  What  is  the  seventh? 

A.  Blessed  are  the  peace- 
makers, for  they  shall  be 
called  the  children  of  God. 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


10 


Q.  What  is  the  eighth? 

A.  Blessed  are  they  which 
are  persecuted  for  righteous- 
ness' sake,  for  theirs  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven. 

Q.  What  does  Jesus  call  his 
disciples? 

A.  The  salt  of  the  earth. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  the  salt  is 
good  for,  if  it  has  lost  its  savor? 
A.  It  is  good  for  nothing. 

Q.  What  else  does  he  call 
them? 

A.  The  light  of  the  world. 

Q.  What  does  he  tell  them  to 
do? 

A.  Let  your  light  so  shine 
before  men,  that  they  may 
see  your  good  works,  and 
glorify  your  Father  which  is 
in  heaven. 

Q.  Did  he  say  he  was  come  to 
destroy  the  law  ? 

A.  No  ;  but  to  fulfil  it. 

Q.  "What  does  he  say  about 
unlawful  auger? 

A.  That  it  will  be  pun- 
ished as  murder. 

Q.  What  of  unclean  desire  ? 
A.    That    it   violates    the 
seventh  commandment. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
Bwearing? 

A.  Swear  not  at  all. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
our  enemies? 

A.  That  we  must  love 
them,  and  pray  for  them. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
alms? 


A.  That  we  muf?t  do  them 
in  secret.     Matt.  vi. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
prayer  ? 

A.  That  we  must  not  be 
vain  about  it. 

Q.  After  what  manner  does 
he  say  we  must  pray  ? 

A.  Our  Father  which  art 
in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name:  thy  kingdom  come: 
thy  will  be  done  in  earth,  as 
it  is  in  heaven :  give  us  this 
day  our  daily  bread;  and 
forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we 
forgive  our  debtors ;  and  lead 
us  not  into  temptation,  but 
deliver  us  from  evil ;  for 
thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory,  for 
ever.     Amen. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 

fasting  ? 

A.  That  we  must  not  make 
a  show  of  it. 

Q.  Where  does  he  say  we 
should  lay  up  treasures? 

A.  In  heaven. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
serving  two  masters? 

A.  No  one  can  do  it.  Ye 
cannot  serve  God  and  mam- 
mon. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
worldly  anxiety? 

A.  That  we  must  not  give 
way  to  it,  as  God  will  provide 
for  us  if  we  do  our  duty. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
rash  judgment? 

A,  Judge  not,  that  ye  be 
not  judged.     Matt.  vii. 


20 


SCEIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Does  he  say  tliat  God  will 
give  us  what  we  ask  more  readily 
than  parents  when  asked  will 
give  their  children  good  things? 

A.  He  does. 

Q.  What  golden  rule  does  he 
give  us  ? 

A.  All  things  whatsoever 
ye  would  that  men  should  do 
to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them, 

Q.  Why  does  he  say  we  should 
cuter  the  strait  gate  ? 

A.  Because  strait  is  the 
gate,  and  narrow  is  the  way, 
that  leadeth  to  life,  and  few 
there  be  that  find  it. 

Q.  Whither  do  the  wide  gate 
and  broad  way  lead? 

A.  To  destruction;  and 
many  there  be  which  go  in 
thereat. 

Q.  How  does  he  say  we  are  to 
know  false  prophets? 

A.  By  their  fruits. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  will  be 


the  fate  of  those  who  call  him 
Lord,  but  do  not  obey  him? 

A.  He  will  disown  them  in    ! 
the  last  day. 

Q.  To  whom  does  he  liken  the 
man  who  hears  and  obeys  htm? 

A.  To   a  wise   man,  who     ! 
built  his  house  upon  the  rock, 
so  that  it  was  not  hurt  by  the 
rain,  floods,  and  wind. 

Q.  To  what  does  he  liken  the     I 
man  Avho  hears,  but  does  not 
obey  him? 

A.  To  a  foolish  man,  who 
built  his  house  upon  the  sand, 
so  that  it  fell  when  the  storm 
came, 

Q.  How  were  the  people  a^ 

fectcd  by  his  teaching? 

A.  They  were  astonished. 

Q.  Why? 

A.  For  he  taught  them  as 
one  having  authority,  and 
not  as  the  scribes. 


LESSON    XI. 


Q,  When  he  was  come  down 
from  the  mouutain,  who  came 
to  him? 

A.  Alcper,  who  worshipped 
him.  Matt.  viii. :  Mark  i, 
40 :  Luke  v.  12, 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A,  Lord,  if  thou  wilt,  thou 
canst  make  me  clean. 

':   Q.  What  did  Jesus  do? 

A.  Put  forth  his  hand  and 


touched  him,  saying,  I  will: 
be  thou  clean. 

Q.  Did  this  cure  him? 

A.  It  did,  immediately. 

Q.  When  he  entered  into  Ca- 
pernaum, what  happened? 

A.  A  centurion  applied  to 
him  to  cure  his  servant. 

Q.  What  disease  had  the  sej- 
vant  ? 

A.  The  palsy. 


► 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


21 


-  Q.  How  did  the  centurion 
show  his  faith? 

A.  By  saying  that  Jesus 
could  heal  his  servant  by  a 
word,  without  seeing  him. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  do  ? 

A.  Commended  his  faith, 
and  healed  his  servant. 

Q.  What  prophecj^  was  ful- 
filled by  the  miracles  Jesus 
wrought? 

A.  That  of  Isaiah,  Him- 
self took  our  infirmities,  and 
bare  our  sicknesses.  Isa. 
liii.  4. 

Q.  When  Jesus  was  at  Nain, 
what  took  place  ? 

A.  There  was  a  dead  man 
carried  out,  the  only  son  of 
his  mother,  and  she  was  a 
widow.     Luke  vii.  11. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  her  ? 

A,  Weep  not. 

Q.  \\T3at  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Touched  the  bier,  and 
said,  Young  man,  I  say  unto 
thee.  Arise. 

Q.  Did  he  arise  ? 

A.  He  sat  up  and  began 
to  speak. 

Q.  How  were  the  people  af- 
fected? 

A.  They  were  filled  with 
fear,  and  said,  A  great  pro- 
phet is  risen  up  among  us ; 
and  God  has  visited  his  peo- 
ple. 

Q.  When  a  certain  scribe  of- 
fered to  follow  him,  what  did  he 
Bay? 

A.  The  foxes  have  holes, 
and  the  birds  of  the  air  have 


nests,  but  the  Son   of  man 
hath  not  where  to  lay  his  head. 

Q.  When  one  of  his  disciples 
said,  Lord,  suffer  me  first  to  go 
and  bury  my  father,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  Follow  me,  and  let  the 
dead  bury  their  dead. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  one 
who  wanted  to  go  and  bid  fare- 
well to  his  friends? 

A.  No  man,  having  put  his 
hand  to  the  plough,  and  look- 
ing back,  is  fit  for  the  king- 
dom of  God.    Luke  ix.  61,  62. 

Q.  When  he  and  his  disciples 
were  crossing  the  lake  of  Gen- 
nesaret,  what  took  place? 

A.  A  great  tempest;  but 
Jesus  was  asleep.  Mark  iv. 
35  :  Luke  viii.  22. 

Q.  WTiat  did  the  disciples  do  ? 

A,  Awoke  him,  saying, 
Lord  save  us :  we  perish. 

Q.  ^liat  did  he  say  to  them  ? 

A.  Why  are  ye  fearful,  0 
ye  of  little  faith  ? 

Q.  AVhat  did  he  say  to  the 
winds  and  waves  ? 

A.  Peace,  be  still ;  and 
there  was  a  perfect  calm. 

Q.  What  did  the  men  say? 

A.  What  manner  of  man 
is  this,  that  even  the  winds 
and  the  sea  obey  him  ? 

Q.  Who  met  them  when  they 
reached  the  other  side? 

A.  Two  possessed  of  devils, 
exceeding  fierce.     Mark  v. 

Q.  Did  the  devils  know  him? 

A.  They  did;  and  were 
afraid  of  him. 


22 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  they  say  ? 

A.  If  thou  cast  us  out, 
sutler  us  to  go  away  iuto  the 
herd  of  swine. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A    Go. 

Q.  What  became  of  the  swine  ? 

A.  They  rushed  into  the 
6>ea,  and  were  drowned. 

Q.  What  did  the  people  de- 
sire him  to  do  ? 


A.    Depart 

coasts. 


out    of   their 


Q.  "What  did  one  of  the  Uten 

do  whom  he  had  relieved? 

A.  Sat  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
clothed,  and  in  his  right 
mind. 

Q.  Did  he  want  to  go  with 
Jesus? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  Did  Jesug  allow  him? 

A.  No :  he  sent  him  home 
to  tell  what  God  had  done  for 
him. 


LESSON   XII. 


Q.  Who  was  brought  to  Jesus 
at  Capernaum  ? 

A.  A  man  sick  of  the  palsy. 
Matt.  ix. :  Mark  ii. :  Luke  v. 

Q.  How  did  they  get  him  be- 
fore Jesus  ? 

A.  The  crowd  was  so  great 
that  they  took  him  to  the 
house-top  and  let  him  down 
through  the  tiling. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  him  ? 

A.  Son,  be  of  good  cheer : 
thy  sins  be  forgiven  thee. 

Q.  What  did  the  scribes  think? 

A.  That  he  blasphemed. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  He  asked  them  which 
was  easier  to  say.  Thy  sins 
be  forgiven  thee,  or  to  say. 
Arise,  and  Avalk. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  say  to 
the  sick  man? 


A.  Arise,  take  up  thy  bed, 
and  go  unto  thine  house. 

Q.  Did  the  man  do  so? 
A.  He  did. 

Q.  Did  Jesus  wish  to  teach 
them  that  as  the  Son  of  man 
could  work  miracles  he  could 
also  forgive  sins? 

•  A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  did  the  multitude  do  ? 
A.  Marvelled  and  e-lorified 
God. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  Jesus  called  Matthew, 
or  Levi,  a  publican,  to  follow 
him. 

Q.  What  was  he  doing  ? 

A.  Sitting  at  the  receipit 
of  custom. 

Q.  Did  he  follow  Christ? 

A.  He  did.  ■  "^ 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


23 


Q.  When  Levi  made  him  a 
feast,  what  did  the  scribes  and 
Pharisees  say  to  the  discii)les  of 
Jesus? 

A.  Why  do  ye  eat  and 
drink  with  publicans  and 
sinners  ? 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  They  that  are  whole 
need  not  a  physician ;  but 
they  that  are  sick.  I  came 
not  to  call  the  righteous,  but 
sinners  to  repentance. 

Q.  What  scripture  did  he 
quote  to  them? 

A.  I  will  have  mercy  and 
not  sacrifice.     Hos.  vi.  6. 

Q.  When  the  disciples  of  John 
asked  him  why  tliey  and  the 
Pharisees  fasted  and  his  disci- 
ples did  not  fast,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  That  they  could  not 
mourn  while  he,  the  bride- 
groom, was  with  them,  but 
they  should  fast  when  he  was 
taken  from  them. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  Jairus,  a  ruler  of  the 
synagogue,  besought  him  to 
heal  his  daughter,  who  was 
at  the  point  of  death.  Mark 
V.  22 :  Luke  viii.  41. 

Q.  When  he  reached  the  house, 
what  did  he  find  ? 

A.  The  people  mourning, 
for  the  child  was  dead. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  the 
ruler? 

A.  Be  not  afraid,  oidy  be- 
lieve. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  let  go  into 
the  house  ? 


A.  Only  Peter,  James,  and 
John,  and  the  father  and 
mother  of  the  maiden. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  the 
people? 

A.  Weep  not:  she  is  not 
dead,  but  sleepeth. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  ? 
A.  Laughed  him  to  scorn, 
knowing  that  she  was  dead. 

Q.  WTien  he  had  put  them  all 
out,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Took  her  by  the  hand, 
saying.  Maid,  arise. 

Q.  What  was  the  result  ? 

A.  Her  spirit  came  again, 
and  she  arose  and  walked. 

Q.  How  old  was  she  ? 

A.  About  twelve  years. 

Q.  When  Jesus  was  on  the 
way  to  the  ruler's  house,  what 
miracle  did  he  perform? 

A.  Healed  a  woman  who 
had  had  an  issue  of  blood 
twelve  years. 

Q.  How  was  the  cure  per- 
formed? 

A.  She  came  through  the 
crowd  and  touched  the  hem 
of  his  garment. 

Q.  When  she  told  what  she 
had  done,  what  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  Daughter,  be  of  good 
comfort :  thy  faith  hath  made 
thee  whole. 

Q.  When  two  blind  men  be- 
sought him,  Thou  son  of  David, 
have  mercy  on  us,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  Believe  ye  that  I  am 
able  to  do  this  ? 


24 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  they  reply? 
A.  Yea,  Lord. 
Q.  What  did  he  do? 
A.  Touched  their  eyes. 
Q.  What  did  he  say? 
A.  According  to  your  faith 
be  it  unto  you. 

Q.  What  then  took  place? 
A.  Their  eyes  were  opened. 

Q.  Who  was  then  brought  to 
him? 

A.  A  dumb  man,  possessed 
with  a  devil. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  do  ? 

A.  Cast  out  the  devil,  and 
the  dumb  man  spake. 


Q.  What  did  the  multitude  dai^ 
A.    Marvelled,   saying,  It>  i.  ^ 
was  never  so  seen  in  Israel. 

Q.  What  did  the  Pharisees 
say? 

A.  He  casteth  out  devils 
through  the  prince  of  the 
devils. 

Q.  When  he  saw  the  multi- 
tude as  sheep  without  a  shep-     | 
herd,  what  did  he  say  to  his  dis- 
ciples? 

A.  The  harvest  truly  is 
plenteous,  but  the  laborers 
are  few:  pray  ye,  therefore, 
the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that 
he  will  send  forth  laborers 
into  his  harvest. 


LESSON   XIII. 


Q.  What  are  the  names  of  the 
twelve  apostles? 

A.  Simon  Peter,  Andrew, 
James  the  son  of  Zcbedee, 
Jolm,  Philip,  Bartholomew, 
Thomas,  Matthew,  James  the 
son  of  Alpha3us,  Lebbeus, 
surnamed  Thaddeus,  also 
called  Judas  or  Jude,  Simon 
the  Canaanite,  and  Judas  Is- 
cariot.  Matt,  x, :  Mark  iii. 
14:  Luke  ix. 

Q.  Did  Jesus  send  them  out  to 
preach  and  work  miracles? 
A.  He  did. 

Q.  Did  he  afterwards  send  out 
others  ? 

A.  Yes,  seventy.    Luke  x. 
Q,  Wliither  did  he  send  them? 


A.  Two  and  two,  into  every 
place  he  intended  to  visit. 

Q.  What  were  they  to  do  ? 

A,  Ileal  the  sick,  and  say, 
The  kingdom  of  God  is  come 
nigh  unto  you. 

Q.  Were  they  to  go  in  haste  ? 

A.  Yes,  taking  nothing  for 
their  journey,  and  saluting 
no  man  by  the  way. 

Q.  How  were  they  to  live  ? 

A.  By  such  things  as  the 
people  gave. 

Q.  If  a  city  refused  to  receive 
them,  what  were  they  to  do  ? 

A.  Shake  off  the  dust  of 
their  feet  against  it. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


25 


Q.  What  encouragement  did 
lie  giv3  them? 

A.  He  til  at  heareth  you, 
liearetli  me  ;  and  he  that  de- 
spiseth  you,  despiseth  me ; 
and  he  that  despiseth  me,  de- 
Bpiseth  him  that  sent  me. 

Q.  When  the  seventy  re- 
turned, what  did  they  say? 

A.  Lord,  even  the  devils 
are  subject  unto  us  through 
thy  name. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  them? 

A.  That  they  vrere  not  to 
rejoice  so  much  in  this  as 
that  their  names  were  writ- 
ten in  heaven. 

Q.  Wlien  he  saw  that  the 
Father  had  revealed  to  his  hum- 
ble disciples  those  things  which 
were  hid  from  the  scribes  and 
others,  what  did  Jesus  do? 

A.  Rejoice  and  thank  God. 

Q.  When  John  the  Baptist 
sent  two  of  his  disciples  to  Jesus 
to  ask  if  he  was  the  Christ,  what 
did  Jesus  do? 

A.  Refer  to  his  miracles 
and  his  preaching  to  the  poor. 
Matt.  xi. :  Luke  vii.  19. 

Q.  Had  Isaiah  foretold  these 
things  of  Christ? 

A.  He  had.  Isa.  xxxv. ; 
Ixi.  1. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  of 
John? 

A.  That  he  was  more  than 
a  prophet. 

Q.  What  else  ? 

A.  This  is  he  of  whom  it 

is  written,  Behold,  I  send  my 

'  messenger  before   thy  face, 


which  shall  prepare  thy  way 
before  thee.     Mai.  iii.  1. 

Q.  What  else? 

A.  This  is  Elias,  which 
was  to  come.     Mai.  iv.  5. 

Q.  Why  did  he  pronounce  woes 
on  Chorazin,  Bethsaida,  and  Ca- 
pernaum? 

A.  Because  they  repented 
not,  though  they  had  seen 
most  of  his  mighty  works. 

Q.  WTiat  inv*tation  and  pro- 
mise does  he  give  ? 

A.  Come  unto  me,  all  ye 
that  labor  and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will  give  you 
rest. 

Q.  What  further  instruction 
and  encouragement  does  he 
give? 

A.  Take  my  yoke  upon 
you,  and  learn  of  me ;  for 
I  am  meek  and  lowly  in 
heart ;  and  ye  shall  find  rest 
unto  your  souls  ;  for  my  yoke 
is  easy,  and  my  burden  is 
light. 

Q.  When  Jesus  was  at  meat  in 
a  Pharisee's  house,  what  took 
place? 

A.  A  womati  brought  an 
alabaster  box  of  ointment, 
and  anointed  his  feet,  after 
she  had  washed  them  with 
her  tears  and  wiped  them 
with  the  hairs  of  her  head 
Luke  vii.  36. 

Q.  T\Tiat  did  the  Pharisee 
think? 

A.  That  Jesus  was  no  pro- 
phet, or  he  would  have  known 
that  the  woman  was  a  sinner. 


26 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  him  ? 

A.  He  asked  him  which  of 
two  debtors  would  love  their 
creditor  most — he  who  had 
been  forgiven  five  hundred 
pence,  or  he  who  had  been 
forgiven  fifty. 

Q.  What  did  the  Pharisee  say  ? 

A.  He  to  whom  the  most 
was  forgiven. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply  ? 
A.      Thou   *hast     rightly 
judged. 

Q.  Did  he  tell  Simon  that  as 
she  had  showed  him  more  love 
than  he  had,  it  was  because  she 
had  been  forgiven  more  ? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  her  ? 


A.  Thy  sins  are  forgiven.. 

Q.  When  the  guests  said,  Who 
is  this  that  forgiveth  sins  ?  what 
did  Jesus  say  to  the  woman  ? 

A.  Thy  faith  hath  saved 
thee :  go  in  peace. 

Q.  Wliat  women  followed 
Jesus,  and  ministered  to  him  of 
their  substance  ? 

A.  Mary  Magdalene,  out 
of  whom  went  seven  devils, 
Joanna,  the  wife  of  Herod's 
steward,  Susanna,  and  many 
others.     Luke  viii. 

Q.  When  he  could  hardly  fitt4 
time  to  eat,  what  did  his  friends 
do? 

A.  Went  to  lay  hold  on 
him,  for  they  said,  He  is  be- 
side himself.     Mark  iii.  21. 


LESSON    XIV. 


Q.  For  what  purpose  did  Jesus 
go  up  to  Jerusalem? 

A.  To  attend  a  feast.  John 

V. 

Q.  What  was  there  at  Jeru- 
salem? 

A.  A  pool  called  Bethesda. 

Q.  "\Mio  lay  in  its  porches? 

A.  A  great  multitude  of 
sick  people,  waiting  for  the 
moving  of  the  waters. 

Q.  How  were  they  moved? 

A.  By  an  angel. 

Q.  Was  the  person  healed  who 
stepped  in  first  after  the  waters 
were  troubled? 

A.  Yes. 


Q,  When  Jesus  saw  an  impo- 
tent man  who  had  been  lying 
there  thirty- eight  years,  what 
did  he  say  to  him  ? 

A.  Wilt  thou  be  made 
whole  ? 

Q.  ^Vhat  did  he  reply? 
A.  That  he  had  no  one  to 
put  him  into  the  pool. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  then  say? 
A.  Rise,  take  up  thy  bed, 
and  walk.  ^ 

Q.  Did  he  dose? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  On  what  day  was  it?        ** 

A.  The  Sabbath. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


27 


Q.  What  did  the  Jews  say? 

A.  That  he  ought  not  to 
carry  his  bed  on  the  Sabbath. 

Q.  What  did  he  reply? 

A.  He  that  made  me  whole, 
the  same  said  unto  me,  Take 
up  thy  bed  and  -walk. 

Q.  When  Jesus  found  him  in 
the  temple,  what  did  he  say  to 
him? 

A,  Sin  no  more,  lest  a 
worse  thing  come  unto  thee. 

Q.  When  the  man  told  the 
Jews  that  it  was  Jesus  who 
healed  him,  what  did  they  do? 

A.  Sought  to  slay  Jesus. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  ? 

A.  My  Father  worketh 
hitherto,  and  I  work. 

Q.  What  did  they  then  do  ? 

A.  Sought  the  more  to  kill 
him,  because  he  said  that 
God  was  his  Father,  making 
himself  equal  with  God. 

Q.  Did  Jesus  claim  to  do  every 
thing  by  the  authority  of  the 
Father? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  solemn  fact  did  he 
announce  ? 

A.  The  hour  is  coming  in 
the  which  all  that  are  in  the 
graves  shall  hear  his  voice, 
and  shall  come  forth:  they 
that  have  done  good  unto  the 
resurrection  of  life,  and  they 
that  have  done  evil  unto  the 
resurrection  of  damnation. 


Q.  By  whom  did  he  prove  his 
Divine  mission? 

A.  John  the  Baptist,  whom 
he  called  a  burning  and  a 
shining  light. 

Q.  What  greater  witness  had 
he? 

A.  His  own  works. 

Q.  What  other  ? 

A.  His  Father's  word. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  of  it? 

A.  Search  the  Scriptures, 
for  in  them  je  think  ye  have 
eternal  life,  and  they  are  they 
which  testify  of  me. 

Q.  "UTiat  charge  did  he  bring 
against  the  Jews? 

A.  Ye  will  not  come  unto 
me  that  ye  might  have  life. 

Q.  What  reason  does  he  give 
for  their  unbelief? 

A.  How  can  ye  believe 
which  receive  honor  one  of 
another,  and  seek  not  the 
honor  that  cometh  from  God 
only? 

Q.  "Wlio  did  he  say  accused 
them? 

A.  Moses,  in  whom  they 
trusted. 

Q.  If  they  believed  Moses, 
would  they  believe  him? 

A.  Yes,  for  he  wrote  of 
Christ. 

Q.  If  they  did  not  believe 
Moses,  could  they  believe  Jesus? 

A.  They  could  not. 


28 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


LESSON    XV. 


Q.  When  the  disciples  of  Jesus 
plucked  the  ears  of  corn  on  the 
Sabbath-day,  what  did  the  Phar- 
isees do? 

A.  Charged  them  -with 
Sabbath  -  breaking.  Matt, 
xii. :  Mark  ii.  23  :  Luke  vi. 

Q.  On  what  ground  did  Jesus 
defend  them? 

A.  Necessity,  like  David's 
eating  the  show-bread,  when 
he  could  get  nothing  else  to 
eat.     1  Sam.  xxi.  6. 

Q.  T)id  he  refer  to  any  works 
of  piety  that  may  be  done  on 
the  Sabbath? 

A.  Yes,  those  of  the  priests 
in  the  temple. 

Q.  What  passage  does  he 
quote  from  Hosea  vi.  6  ? 

A.  I  will  have  mercy  and 
not  sacrifice. 

Q.  How  did  he  silence  the 
Pharisees  who  accused  him  of 
Sabbath-breaking  for  healing  on 
the  Sabbath  ? 

A.  By  asking  them  if  they 
would  nut  take  a  sheep  out 
of  a  pit  on  tlie  Sabbath. 

Q.  What  man  did  he  heal? 

A.  One  Avith  a  withered 
hand.     Mark  iii.  1. 

Q.  How  did  he  heal  him? 

A.  By  saying,  Stretch  forth 
thy  hand. 

Q.  When  the  Pharisees  tried  to 
kill  him,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Withdrew  himself. 


Q.  When  multitudes  followed 
him,  and  he  healed  them,  what 
did  he  do? 

A.  Charged  them  not  to 
make  him  known. 

Q.  What  prophecy  was  thoa 
fuUiUed  ? 

A.  That  of  Isaiah  xlii.  1-4. 

Q.  When  he  healed  a  blind 
and  dumb  demoniac,  what  did 
the  Pharisees  say? 

A.  He  casteth  out  devils 
through  Beelzebub,  the 
prince  of  the  devils.  Luke  xi. 
14. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply  ? 

A.  That  Satan  could  not 
cast  out  Satan. 

Q.  How  did  he  say  he  did  it? 

A.  By  the  Spirit  of  God, 
as  their  disciples  professed  to 
do. 

Q.  What  blasphemy  did  he  say 
should  not  be  forgiven? 

A.  That  against  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

Q.  For  what  does  he  say  men 
must  give  account  in  the  day  of 
judgment? 

A.  For  every  idle  word. 

Q.  When  the  scribes  and  Pha- 
risees wanted  a  sign,  what  sign 
did  he  give  them? 

A.  That  of  the  prophet 
Jonah. 

Q.  Of  what  was  Jonah's  being 
in  the  whale  a  sign? 

A.  Of  the  burial  of  Christ. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


29 


Q.  Who  did  he  say  shonld  rise 
in  judgment  against  that  genera- 
tion? 

A.  The  men  of  Nineveh, 
who  repented  at  the  preach- 
ing of  Jpnah. 

Q.  Who  else  ? 

A.  The  queen  of  the  South, 
who  came  from  the  ends  of 
the  earth  to  hear  Solomon. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  of  himself? 
A.    That  he   was   greater 
than  Jonah  or  Solomon. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  of  a  man 
who  has  been  freed  from  an  un- 
clean spirit,  but  has  come  under 
his  power  again? 

A.  The  last  state  of  that 
man  is  worse  than  the  first. 

Q.  Did  he  say  it  should  be  so 
with  that  generation? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  ^Vho  desired  to  speak  with 
Jesus? 

A.  His  mother  and  breth- 
ren. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  ? 

A.  That  his  disciples,  who 
do  the  will  of  his  Father,  are 
his  mother  and  brethren. 

Q.  When  a  man  said  to  Jesus, 
Master,  speak  to  my  brother, 
that  he  divide  the  inheritance 
with  me,  what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Man,  who  made  me  a 


e  or  a  divider  over  you  ? 
uke  xii.  13. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  the 
people? 

A.  Take  heed,  and  beware 
of  covetousness. 

Q.  What  parable  did  he  speak 
to  them  ? 

A.  About  a  rich  man, 
whose  ground  brought  forth 
plentifully. 

Q.  What  did  he  resolve  to  do? 

A.  Pull  down  his  barns 
and  build  greater. 

Q.  What  would  he  say  to  him- 
self? 

A.  Soul,  thou  hast  much 
goods  laid  up  for  many  years : 
eat,  drink,  and  be  merry. 

Q.  What  did  God  say  to  him? 

A.  Thou  fool,  this  night 
thy  soul  shall  be  required  of 
thee. 

Q.  ^Yllat  then  did  Jesus  im- 
press upon  them? 

A.  The  folly  of  anxiety 
about  worldly  things. 

Q.  What  should  they  rather 
seek? 

A.  The  kingdom  of  God. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about  it? 

A,  Fear  not,  little  flock; 
for  it  is  your  Father's  good 
pleasure  to  give  you  the  king- 
dom. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


LESSON    XVI. 


Q.  Where  did  Jesus  utter  many 
of  liis  parables? 

A.  In  a  boat,  the  people 
"being  on  the  sea-shore.  Matt, 
xiii. :  Mark  iv. :  Luke  viii.  4. 

Q.  What  was  the  first  parable? 
A.  Of  a  sower  who  went 
out  to  sow  his  seed. 

Q.  What  became  of  some  of 
the  seeds? 

A.  They  fell  by  the  way- 
side, and  the  fowls  devoured 
them. 

Q.  What  became  of  others? 

A,  They  fell  on  stony 
places,  immediately  sprung 
up,  and  soon  withered  away. 

Q.  What  became  of  others? 

A.  They  fell  among  thorns, 
which  sprung  up  and  choked 
them. 

Q.  What  became  of  the  rest? 

A.  They  fell  into  good 
ground,  and  brought  forth 
fruit,  a  hundred-fold. 

Q.  Whom  does  the  wayside 
represent? 

A.  Him  who  hears  the  word, 
but  lets  the  devil  take  it  out 
of  his  heart. 

Q.  Whom  does  the  stony 
ground  represent? 

A.  The  unstable  hearer. 

Q.  Whom  does  the  thorny 
ground  represent? 

A.  The  worldly-minded 
hearer. 


Q,  Whom  does  the  good 
ground  represent?  I 

A.  Him  who  hearsthe  word, 
and  keeps  it  in  an  honest  and      i 
good  heart,  and  brings  forth 
fruit  with  patience. 

Q.  What  prophecy  was  ful- 
filled in  the  case  of  the  stupid, 
stubborn  hearers  our  Lord  ad- 
dressed? 

A.  That  of  Isaiah  vi.  9, 10. 

Q.  What  blessing  did  he  pro- 
nounce upon  his  disciples? 

A.  Blessed  are  your  eyes, 
for  they  see  ;  and  your  ears, 
for  they  hear. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  many  pro- 
phets and  righteous  men  had  de- 
sired? 

A.  To  see  and  hear  these 
things. 

Q.  To  what  did  he  liken  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  in  another 
parable  ? 

A.  To  a  man  who  sowed 
good  seed  in  his  field,  but  an 
enemy  came  and  sowed  tares 
among  the  wheat. 

Q.  What  did  the  man  do  ? 

A.  He  told  his  servants  to 
let  both  grow  together  until 
the  harvest. 

Q,  Why  did  he  not  order  ttem 
to  pull  up  the  tares? 

A.  For  fear  they  would 
pull  up  the  wheat  with  them. 

Q.  What  would  he  do  at  the 
harvest? 

A.  Tell  the  reapers  to  burn 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


the    tares    and    garner    the 
wheat. 

Q.  Whom  does  the  man  re- 
present? 

A.  The  Son  of  man. 

Q.  What  is  the  field  ? 

A.  The  world. 

Q.  Who  are  the  good  seed? 

A.  The  children  of  the 
kingdom. 

Q.  Who  are  the  tares? 

A.  The  children  of  the 
wicked  one. 

Q.  Who  is  the  enemy  that 
sowed  them? 

A.  The  devil. 

Q.  "WTiat  is  the  harvest? 

A.  The  end  of  the  world. 

Q.  Who  are  the  reapers? 

A.  The  angels. 

Q.  Wliat  will  they  do? 

A.  Cast  all  oftenders  into 
a  furnace  of  fire :  there  shall 
be  wailing  and  gnashing  of 
teeth. 

Q.  What  shall  be  the  lot  of 
the  righteous? 

A.  They  shall  shine  forth 
as  the  sun  in  the  kingdom  of 
their  Father. 

Q.  To  what  else  did  he  liken 
the  kingdom  of  God  ? 

A.  To  a  man  who  sows 
seed,  but  knows  not  how  it 
grows. 

Q.  How  does  the  earth  bring 
forth  fruit? 

A,  Of  herself,  first  the 
blade,  then  the  ear,  after  that 
the  full  corn  in  the  ear. 


Q.  When  it  is  ripe,  what  does 
the  man  do? 

A.  Put  in  the  sickle,  be- 
cause the  harvest  is  come. 

Q.  To  what  else  did  he  liken 
the  kingdom  of  heaven? 

A.  To  a  grain  of  mustard 
seed,  which  is  very  small 
when  sown,  but  grows  up  to 
be  a  tree. 

Q.  To  what  else  ? 

A.  To  leaven,  which  a  wo- 
man hid  in  three  measures 
of  meal,  till  the  whole  was 
leavened. 

Q.  To  what  else? 

A.  To  treasure  hid  in  a 
field,  which  the  man  who 
finds  hides,  and  sells  all  he 
has  to  buy  that  field. 

Q.  To  what  else  ? 

A.  To  a  merchant  seeking 
goodly  pearls,  who,  finding 
one  of  great  price,  sold  all 
that  he  had  and  bought  it. 

Q.  To  what  else  ? 

A.  To  a  net,  which  caught 
good  and  bad  fish — the  fish- 
ermen keeping  the  good,  and 
casting  the  bad  away. 

Q.  How  does  Christ  explain 
this? 

A.  So  shall  it  be  at  tlie 
end  of  the  world  :  the  angels 
shall  sever  the  wicked  from 
among  the  just,  and  shall 
cast  them  into  the  fire. 

Q.  Did  the  disciples  under- 
stand these  things  ? 

A.  They  did. 


82 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Wliat  prophecy  was  thus 
fnltilled? 

A.  That  of  Asaph :  I  will 
open  my  mouth  in  parables. 
Ps.  Ixxviii.  2. 

Q.  When  Jesus  returned  to 
liis  own  country  and  taught, 
what  effoct  was  produced  on 
the  people? 

A.    They  were  astonished 


and  offended  in  him,  because 
he  was  the  carpenter's  son. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  ? 

A.  A  prophet  is  not  with- 
out honor  save  in  his  own 
country. 

Q.  Did  he  do  many  miracles 
among  them? 

A.  He  did  not,  because  of 
their  unbelief. 


LESSON   XVII. 


Q.  Wliat  did  Herod,  the  te- 
trarch,  say  when  he  heard  of  the 
fame  of  Jesus? 

A.  It  is  John,  whom  I  be- 
headed :  he  is  risen  from  the 
dead.  Matt.  xiv. :  Mark  vi. 
14 :  Luke  ix.  7. 

Q.  Wliy  did  Herod  cut  off 
John  the  Baptist's  head? 

A.  Because  John  told  him 
he  ought  not  to  have  Ilcrod- 
ias,  his  brother's  wife. 

Q.  Did  he  kill  him  immedi- 
ately after  this  ? 

A.  No :  he  feared  the  mul- 
titude; but  he  put  him  in 
prison. 

Q.  How  came  he  at  last  to 
kill  him? 

A.  The  daughter  of  Hc- 
rodias  danced  before  him, 
and  he  told  her  he  would 
give  her  what  she  would  ask, 
and  she  asked  for  the  head 
of  John. 

Q.  When  he  was  beheaded, 
what  did  his  disciples  do? 


A.  Buried  his  body,  and 
went  and  told  Jesus. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  do? 

A.  Went  by  ship  to  a  de- 
sert place. 

Q.  \Mien  the  multitude  fol- 
lowed him,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Healed  their  sick. 

Q.  When  they  had  nothing  to 
eat,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Fed  live  thousand  men, 
besides  women  and  children, 
with  five  barley  loaves  and 
two  small  fishes.     John  vi. 

Q.  Did  they  all  have  enough? 
A.  Yes,  and  took  up  twelve 
baskets  full  of  fragments. 

Q.  How  were  the  people  af- 
fected by  tliis  miracle? 

A.  They  said  he  was  the 
expected  prophet,  and  wanted 
to  make  him  a  king. 

Q.  WhiTt  did  Jesus  do? 
A.  Departed  into  a  moun- 
tain alone. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


3^ 


Q.  When  the  people  who  had 
been  fed  b}^  the  miracle  came  to 
Jesus  at  Capernaum,  what  did 
he  say  to  them  ? 

A.  Labor  not  for  the  meat 
which  perisheth,  but  for  that 
which  endureth  unto  ever- 
lasting life. 

Q.  When  they  asked  him  what 
is  the  work  of  God,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  That  ye  believe  on  him 
whom  he  hath  sent. 

Q.  "\Vhen  they  asked  for  a 
sign,  and  said,  Our  fathers  did 
eat  manna  in  the  desert,  what 
did  he  say  ? 

A.  I  am  the  bread  of  life  : 
he  that  cometh  unto  me  shall 
never  hunger,  and  he  that 
believeth  on  me  shall  never 
thirst,  and  him  that  cometh 
to  me,  I  will  in  no  wise  cast 
out. 

Q.  When  the  Jews  heard  him 
say  that  he  came  down  from 
heaven,  what  did  they  do  ? 

A.  Murmured,  saying,  Is 
not  this  Jesus,  the  son  of  Jo- 
seph, whose  father  and  mo- 
ther we  know  ? 

Q.  Who  alone  did  he  say 
would  come  to  him? 

A.  Those  who  were  taught 
of  God. 

Q.  When,  because  of  this  dis- 
course, many  of  his  disciples  for- 
sook him,  what  did  he  say  to  the 
twelve  ? 

A.  Will  ye  also  go  away  ? 
Q.  What  did  Peter  answer? 
A.  Lord,  to  whom  shall  we 
go?  thou  hast  the  words  of 
Vol.  II.— 2 


eternal  life ;  and  we  believe 
and  are  sure  that  thou  art 
that  Christ,  the  Son  of  the 
living  God. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  in  reply? 
A.  That  one  of  them  was 
a  devil. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  mean? 
A.  Judas,  the  traitor. 

Q.  When  the  disciples  were 
crossing  the  lake,  what  hap- 
pened? 

A.  There  was  a  storm,  and 
Jesus  walked  on  the  water 
toward  them. 

Q.  When  the  disciples  saw 
him,  what  did  they  say? 

A.  It  is  a  spirit ;  and  they 
cried  out  for  fear. 

Q.  WTiat  did  Jesus  say? 
A.  Be  of  good  cheer,  it  is 
I :  be  not  afraid. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  say? 

A.  Lord,  if  it  be  thou,  bid 
me  come  unto  thee  on  the 
water. 

Q.  VThen  Jesus  said,  Come, 
did  he  do  so? 

A.  He  did ;  but  beginning 
to  sink,  he  cried,  Lord,  sa\e 
me. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  do  ? 

A.  Caught  him,  saying, 
0  thou  of  little  faith,  where- 
fore didst  thou  doubt  ? 

Q.  Wlien  they  came  into  the 
boat,  and  the  wind  ceased,  what 
did  those  in  the  ship  say  ? 

A.  Of  a  truth  thou  art  tho 
Son  of  God. 


34 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  \Mien  they  reached  Gen-    hem  of  his  garment,  and  as 
sai-et,  vhat  happeuc<r/  j^.^^.y  as  touched  were  made 


nesai-et,  -wliat  happ 

A.  All  that  were  sick  were 
broiisht  to  him  to  touch  the 


perfectly  whole. 


LESSON    XVIII. 


Q.  Of  what  did  the  scribes 
and  Pharisees  complain  to  Jesus? 

A.  That  his  disciples 
washed  not  their  hands  when 
they  ate  bread.  Matt.  xv. : 
Mark  vii. 

Q.  Did  the  Jews  wash  every 
time  they  ate  ? 

A.  They  did,  according  to 
the  tradition  of  the  elders. 

Q.  What  did  Jesns  reply? 

A.  He  asked  them  why 
they  broke  the  law  of  God 
by  their  tradition. 

Q.  What  command  did  they 
break? 

A.  The  fifth. 

Q.  How  did  they  break  it? 

A.  By  pretending  to  give 
their  property  to  God,  so  as 
to  be  freed  from  giving  any 
of  it  to  their  parents. 

Q,  What  prophecy  was  ful- 
filled in  them? 

A.  This  people  draweth 
nigh  unto  me  with  their 
mouth,  and  honoreth  me 
with  their  lips,  but  their 
heart  is  far  from  me  ;  but  in 
vain  do  they  worship  me, 
teaching  for  doctrines  the 
commandments  of  men.  Isa. 
xxix.  13. 


Q.  What  things  did  he  say  de- 
file a  man? 

A.  Evil  things  from  within. 

Q.  When  Jesus  went  into  the 
coasts  of  Tyre  and  Sidon,  who 
came  to  him? 

A.  A  woman  of  Canaan. 

Q.  What  did  she  say  ? 

A.  Have  mercy  on  me,  0 
Lord,  thou  son  of  David,  my 
daughter  is  grievously  vexed 
with  a  devil. 

Q.  What  did  he  answer  ? 

A,  Not  a  word. 

Q.  What  did  the  disciples  say  ? 

A.  Send  her  away,  for  she 
crieth  after  us. 

Q.  What  did  he  answer? 

A.  I  am  not  sent  but  unto 
the  lost  sheep  of  the  house 
of  Israel. 

Q.  What  then  did  she  do? 

A.  AVorshipped  him,  say- 
ing. Lord,  help  me. 

Q.  What  did  he  answer? 

A.  It  is  not  meet  to  take 
the  children's  bread,  and  to 
cast  it  to  dogs. 

Q.  What  did  she  reply  to  this? 

A.  Truth,  Lord;  yet  the 
dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs  which 
fall  from  their  masters'  table. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


35 


Q.  What  did  Jesus  then  say  ? 

A.  0  woman,  great  is  thy 
faith :  be  it  unto  thee  even 
as  thou  wilt. 

Q.  Was  her  daughter  made 
whole  ? 

A.  Yes,  instantly. 

Q.  Whither  did  Jesus  then  go  ? 

A.  To  a  mountain,  near 
the  sea  of  Galilee. 

Q.  Who  came  to  him  ? 

A.  Multitudes,  having  with 
them  lame,  blind,  dumb, 
maimed,  and  others,  who 
needed  healing. 

Q.  Did  he  heal  them? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  How  did  he  cure  one  who 
was  deaf  and  had  an  impedi- 
ment in  his  speech? 

A.  By  touching  his  tongue 
and  ears,  and  saying,  Be 
opened. 

Q.  What  did  the  multitude  do  ? 

A.  They  wondered,  and 
glorified  the  God  of  Israel. 

Q.  When  the  multitude  had 
nothing  to  eat,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Fed  four  thousand  men, 
besides  women  and  children, 
with  seven  loaves  and  a  few 
little  fishes.     Mark  viii. 

Q.  Did  they  all  get  enough? 
A.  Yes,  and  took  up  seven 
baskets-full  of  fragments. 

Q.  Whither  did  he  then  go  ? 
A.  By  ship  into  the  coasts 
of  Magdala. 

Q.  When  the  Pharisees  and 
Sadducces,  tempting  Jesus,  de- 


sired of  him  a  sign  from  heaven, 
what  did  he  do? 

A.  Reproved  them  for 
their  hypocrisy,  and  gave 
them  the  sign  of  the  prcphet 
Jonah.     Matt.  xvi. 

Q.  TMien  his  disciples  had  for- 
gotten to  take  bread,  what  did 
he  say  to  them  ? 

A.  Beware  of  the  leaven 
of  the  Pharisees  and  of  the 
Sadducees. 

Q.  AYhat  did  he  mean  by  this? 

A.  Their  doctrine. 

Q.  When  he  came  into  the 
coasts  of  Caesarea  Philippi,  what 
did  he  ask  his  disciples? 

A.  AVho  do  men  say  that 
I  am  ?     Luke  ix.  18. 

Q.  \Miat  did  they  answer? 

A.  Some  say  John  the  Bap- 
tist: some  Elijah:  some  Jere- 
miah ;  or  one  of  the  prophets. 

Q.  When  he  asked  them  who 
they  said  he  was,  what  did  Peter 
say? 

A.  Thou  art  the  Christ, 
the  Son  of  the  living  God. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  him  ? 

A.  Blessed  art  thou,  Simon 
Bar-jona ;  for  flesh  and  blood 
hath  not  revealed  it  unto 
thee,  but  my  Father  which  is 
in  heaven. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  say  to 
him? 

A.  Thou  art  Peter,  and 
upon  this  rock  I  will  build 
my  church ;  and  the  gates  of 
hell  shall  not  prevail  against 
it. 


36 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  lie  promise  to 
give  him? 

A.  The  keys  of  the  king- 
dom of  heaven. 

Q,  What  did  he  then  begin  to 
tell  his  disciples? 

A.  That  he  must  suffer 
and  die  at  Jerusalem,  and  be 
raised  again  the  third  day. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  say? 

A.  Be  it  far  from  thee, 
Lord :  this  shall  not  be  unto 
thee. 

Q.  Did  Jesus  rebuke  him  for 
this? 

A.  He  did,  severely. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  his  dis- 
ciples? 


A.  If  any  man  will  come      v 
after  me,  let  him  deny  him-      . 
self,  and  take  up  his  cross, 
and  follow  me. 

Q.  What  important  question 
did  he  ask? 

A,  "What  is  a  man  profited, 
if  he  shall  gain  the  whole 
Avorld,  and  lose  his  own  soul  ? 
or  what  shall  a  man  give  in 
exchange  for  his  soul  ? 

Q.  What  did  he  say  he  would 
do? 

A.  Come  in  the  glory  of 
his  Father,  with  his  angels, 
and  reward  every  man  ac- 
cording to  his  works. 


LESSON    XIX 


Q.  Whom  did  Jesus  take  into 
a  high  mountain  with  him  ? 

A.  Peter,  James,  and  John. 
Matt.  xvii. :  Mark  ix. :  Luke 
ix.  28. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  He  was  transfigured. 

Q.  How  did  he  appear? 

A.  His  face  did  shine  as 
the  sun,  and  his  raiment  was 
white  as  the  light. 

Q.  Who  appeared  and  talked 
with  him? 

A.  Moses  and  Elijah. 

Q.  What  did  they  speak  about? 

A.  His  decease,  which  he 
should  accomplish  at  Jerusa- 
lem. 


Q.  What  did  Peter  say  to 
Jesus? 

A.  Lord,  it  is  good  for  us 
to  be  here :  if  thou  wilt,  let 
us  make  here  three  taberna- 
cles, one  for  thee,  and  one 
for  Moses,  and  one  for  Elias. 

Q.  While  he  spoke,  what  took 
place? 

A.  A  bright  cloud  over- 
shadowed them. 

Q.  What  did  they  hear? 

A.  A  voice  out  of  the 
cloud  which  said.  This  is  my 
beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am 
well  pleased :  hear  ye  him. 

Q.  How  did  this  afifect  the  dis- 
ciples? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


37 


A.  They  fell  on  their  faces, 
and  were  sore  afraid. 

Q.  When  Jesus  touched  them, 
and  said,  Arise,  and  he  not 
afraid,  whom  did  they  see  ? 

A.  No  man,  save  Jesus 
only. 

Q.  When  they  came  down 
from  the  mountain,  what  did 
Jesus  charge  them? 

A.  Tell  the  vision  to  no 
man,  until  the  Son  of  man 
be  risen  again  from  the  dead. 

Q.  What  did  they  ask  him? 

A.  Why  then  say  the 
scribes  that  Elias  must  first 
come? 

Q.  What  did  he  answer  ? 

A.  Elias  truly  shall  first 
come,  and  restore  all  things. 

Q.  When  he  told  them  that 
Elijah  had  come,  and  had  been 
treated  ill,  as  he  himself  was 
about  to  be,  what  did  they  un- 
derstand ? 

A.  That  he  spoke  unto 
them  of  John  the  Baptist. 

Q.  Who  came  and  knelt  down 
before  Jesus? 

A.  A  man  praying  him  to 
have  mercy  on  his  son,  vrho 
was  sore  vexed  with  a  dumb 
spirit. 

Q.  When  he  said  that  he  had 
brought  him  to  the  disciples  and 
they  could  not  cure  him,  what 
did  Jesus  say? 

A.  He  reproved  them  for 
their  uabelief. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  the 
father? 

A.  If  thou  canst  believe, 


all  things  are  possible  to  him 
that  believeth. 

Q.  What  did  the  father  say? 

A.  Lord,  I  believe :  help 
thou  mine  unbelief. 

Q.  "VMiat  did  he  say  to  the 
spirit? 

A.  Thou  dumb  and  deaf 
spirit,  I  charge  the(%  come 
out  of  him,  and  eater  no 
more  into  him. 

Q.  What  did  the  spirit  do? 
A.    Cried,    and   rent  him 
sore,  and  came  out  of  him. 

Q.  When  the  youth  seemed 
dead,  what  did  Jesus  do? 

A.  Lifted  him  up,  and  he 
arose. 

Q.  What  did  the  disciples 
ask  Jesus  ? 

A.  Why  could  not  we  cast 
him  out  ? 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  Because  of  your  unbe- 
lief. 

Q.  Did  he  say  prayer  and  fast- 
ing were  necessary  to  do  this? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  While  they  abode  in  Gali- 
lee, what  did  he  tell  them? 

A.  The  Son  of  man  shall 
be  betrayed  into  the  hands 
of  men ;  and  they  shall  kill 
him,  and  the  third  day  he 
shall  be  raised  again. 

Q.  When  they  were  at  Caper- 
naum, and  the  receivers  of  tri- 
bute asked  Peter,  Doth  not  your 
master  pay  tribute?  what  did 
Peter  say? 

A.  Yes. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  When  they  were  in  the 
house,  what  did  Jesus  ask  Peter? 

A.  Whether  kings  took 
custom  or  tribute  of  their 
own  children  or  of  strangers. 

Q.  T\Tiat  did  he  answer? 

A.  Of  strangers. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply? 

A.  Then  are  the  children 
free. 


Q.  Was  Jesus  the  Son  of  God, 
and  therefore  free  from  paying 
tribute  to  the  temple  ? 

A.  He  was. 

Q.  What  did  he  do? 

A.  He  told  Peter  to  catch 
a  fish  and  open  his  mouth, 
and  he  should  find  in  it  money 
enough  to  pay  for  both  of 
them. 


LESSON    XX. 


Q.  What  did  the  disciples  ask 
Jesus? 

A.  Who  is  the  greatest  in 
the  kingdom  of  heaven? 
Matt,  xviii. :  Mark  ix.  33: 
Luke  ix.  46. 

Q.  How  did  he  answer  them? 

A,  He  showed  them  a  little 
child,  and  said,  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  Except  ye  be  con- 
verted, and  become  as  little 
children,  ye  shall  not  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about  the 
little  ones  who  believed  in  him? 

A.  That  they  were  very 
dear  to  him  and  his  Father. 

Q.  Why  were  they  not  to  be 
despised  ? 

A,  Because  in  heaven  their 
angels  always  behold  the  face 
of  God,  who  does  not  wish 
one  of  them  to  perish. 

Q.  When  John  said,  Master, 
we  saw  one  casting  out  devils  in 
thy  name,  and  we  forbade  him, 
because  he  followeth  not  with 
us,  what  did  Jesus  say  ? 


A.  Forbid  him  not ;  for  he 
that  is  not  against  us  is  for  us. 

Q.  If  thy  brother  trespass 
against  thee,  what  does  Christ 
say  must  be  done  ? 

A.  Tell  him  his  fault  be- 
tween thee  and  him  alone. 

Q.  If  he  will  not  hear  thee, 
what  then  ? 

A.  Take  with  thee  one  or 
two  more. 

Q.  If  he  neglect  to  hear  them, 
what  then  ? 

A.  Tell  it  unto  the  church. 

Q.  If  he  neglect  to  hear  the 
church,  what  then  ? 

A.  Let  him  be  unto  thee 
as  a  heathen  man  and  a  pub- 
lican. 

Q.  Did  he  say  that  God  would 
sanction  their  official  acts,  and 
hear  their  united  prayers? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  promise  did  he  give 
them? 

A.  Where  two  or  three  are 
gathered    together    in     my 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


39 


name,   tliere    am   I  in    the 
midst  of  them. 

Q.  "WTien  Peter  asked  liim  if 
he  should  forgive  an  offending 
brother  seven  times,  what  did 
ho  say? 

A.  Seventy  times  seven. 

Q.  What  parable  did  he  relate 
to  illustrate  this? 

A.  That  of  a  king  who  for- 
gave one  of  his  servants  a 
debt  of  a  thousand  talents, 


but  afterward  told  him  he 
should  pay  it,  because  he 
would  not  forgive  his  fellow- 
servant  a  debt  of  one  hundred 
pence. 

Q.  How  did  he  apply  the  par- 
able? 

A.  So  likewise  shall  my 
Heavenly  Father  do  also  unto 
you,  if  ye  from  your  hearts 
forgive  not  every  one  his 
brother  their  trespasses. 


LESSON   XXI. 


Q.  Why  did  Jesus  leave  Judea 
and  go  to  Galilee  ? 

A.  Because  the  Jews 
sought  to  kill  him.    John  vii. 

Q.  "VVTien  the  feast  of  taber- 
nacles was  at  hand,  what  did  his 
brethren  tell  him  to  do? 

A.  Go  and  show  himself 
in  Judea. 

Q.  Did  they  believe  on  him? 

A.  They  did  not. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  tell  them? 

A.  That  he  was  not  yet 
ready  to  go. 

Q.  Did  he  go  after  they  went  ? 

A.  He  did,  but  privately. 

Q.  Why  would  not  certain 
Samaritans  receive  him? 

A.  Because  he  was  going 
to  Jerusalem.     Luke  ix.  51. 

Q.  What  did  James  and  John 
want  to  do? 

A.  Command  fire  to  come 
down  from  heaven  and  con- 
sume them,  even  as  Elias  did. 


Q.  What  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Ye  know  not  what  man- 
ner of  spirit  ye  are  of;  for 
the  Son  of  man  is  not  come 
to  destroy  men's  lives,  but  to 
save  them. 

Q.  Who  met  him  on  his  jour- 


ney i 


A.  Ten  lepers.  Luke  xvii, 
11. 

Q.  What  did  they  do? 

A.  Stood  afar  off  and  said, 
Jesus,  Master,  have  mercy  on 

Q.  What  did  he  say?  | 

A.  Go  show  yourselves 
unto  the  priests. 

Q.  As  they  went,  what  hap- 
pened? 

A.  They  were  cleansed.       i 

Q.  When  one  of  them  saw  I 
that  he  was  healed,  what  did  he  ' 
do? 

A.  Keturned  and  thanked 
Jesus,  glorifying  God. 


40 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  was  he? 

A.  A  Samaritan. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  sa}-? 

A.  AV'ere  there  not  ten 
cleansed  ?  but  where  are  the 
nine?  there  are  not  found 
that  returned  to  give  glory  to 
God,  save  this  stranger. 

Q.  "SMiat  did  he  say  to  the 
man? 

A.  Arise,  go  thy  way :  thy 
faith  hath  made  thee  whole. 

Q.  Did  the  Jews  seek  Jesus  at 
the  feast? 

A.  They  did. 
^Q.  What  did  some  say  of  him? 
A.  lie  is  a  good  man. 
Q.  What  did  others  say  ? 
A.  Nay  ;  but  he  deceivcth 
the  people. 

Q.  About  the  midst  of  the 
feast,  what  did  Jesus  do? 

A.  Went  into  the  temple 
and  taught. 

Q.  What  did  the  Jews  say, 
marvelling? 

A.  How  knoweth  this  man 
letters,  having  never  learned? 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply? 
A.     My    doctrine    is    not 
mine,  but  his  that  sent  me. 

Q.  How  may  it  be  proved? 

A.  If  any  man  will  do  his 
will,  he  shall  know  of  the 
doctrine,  whether  it  be  of 
God. 

Q.  Did  he  charge  them  with 
breaking  the  law  of  Moses  by 
trying  to  kill  him? 

A.  lie  did. 


Q.  Did  he  justify  his  healing  a 
man  on  the  Sabbath  by  their  cir- 
cumcising on  it? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  Who  gave  them  circum- 
cision? 

A.  jMoses,  who  received  it 
from  the  patriarchs. 

Q.  When  he  spoke  boldly, 
what  did  the  people  ask? 

A.  If  the  rulers  thought 
he  was  the  Christ. 

Q.  Did  they  doubt  because 
they  knew  his  origin? 

A.  They  did,  thinking  no 
man  knew  the  Messiah's. 

Q.  When  he  said  that  he  came 
from  God,  what  did  they  do? 

A.  Sought  to  take  him, 

Q.  Why  did  they  not  take  him  ? 

A.  His  hour  was  not  yet 
come. 

Q.    Did  his  miracles    induce 
many  to  believe? 
A.  They  did. 

Q.  What  did  the  Pharisees 
and  chief-priests  then  do? 

A.  Sent  officers  to  take 
him. 

Q.  Wlien  he  said  he  would  go 
whilher  they  could  not  hud  him, 
what  did  they  ask? 

A.  If  he  was  going  to  the 
Gentiles. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  on  the 
last  day  of  the  feast? 

A.  If  any  man  thirst,  let 
him  come  unto  me  and  drink. 

Q.  What  did  the  water  signify? 
A.  The  Spirit,  which  be- 
lievers receive. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


41 


Q.  What  did  many  then  say  ? 
A.  Of  a  truth  this  is  the 
Prophet. 

Q.  What  did  others  say  ? 

A.  This  is  the  Christ. 

Q.  Wliat  did  others  say  ? 

A.  Shall  Christ  come  out 
of  Galilee?  Ilath  not  the 
Scripture  said  that  Christ 
Cometh  of  the  seed  of  David, 
and  out  of  the  town  of  Beth- 
lehem, where  David  was  ? 

Q.  \Mien  the  officers  returned, 
and  the  chief- priests  and  Phari- 
sees said,  Why  have  ye  not 
brought  him,  what  did  they  say? 


A.  Never  man  spake  like 
this  man, 

Q,  What  did  the  Pharisees  say  ? 

A.  Are  ye  also  deceived? 
Have  any  of  the  rulers  or  of 
the  Pharisees  believed  on  him  ? 
but  this  people  who  knoweth 
not  the  law  are  cursed. 

Q.  \NTiat  did  Nicodemus  say? 

A.  Doth  our  law  judge  any 
man  before  it  hear  him,  and 
know  what  he  doeth  ? 

Q.  What  did  they  reply? 

A.  Art  thou  also  of  Gali- 
lee ?  Search  and  look,  for  out 
of  Galilee  ariseth  no  prophet. 


LESSON    XXII. 


Q.  When  Jesus  was  teaching 
in  the  temple,  whom  did  the 
scribes  and  Pharisees  bring  to 
him? 

A.  An  adulteress.  John 
viii. 

Q.  When  they  said  Moses  or- 
dered such  to  be  stoned,  and 
asked.  What  sayest  thou?  what 
did  he  reply? 

A.  Nothing,  but  wrote  on 
the  ground. 

Q.  When  they  continued  ask- 
ing, what  did  he  say? 

A.  He  that  is  without  sin 
among  you,  let  him  cast  the 
first  stone. 

Q,  While  he  was  again  writ- 
ing on  the  ground,  what  did  they 
do? 

A.  Went  out,  being  con- 
victed by  their  conscience. 


Q.  When  he  asked  the  woman, 
Hath  no  man  condemned  thee  ? 
what  did  she  say  ? 

A.  No  man,  Lord. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  say? 
A.  Neither  do  I  condemn 
thee :  go,  and  sin  no  more. 

Q.  When  Jesus  was  teaching 
in  the  treasury,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  I  am  the  light  of  the 
world :  he  that  followeth  me 
shall  not  walk  in  darkness, 
but  shall  have  the  light  of 
life. 

Q.  "WTien  the  Pharisees 
charged  him  with  falsely  bear- 
ing witness  of  himself,  what  did 
he  reply  ? 

A.  That  the  Father  bore 
witness  of  him  too. 


42 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


Q.  When  he  said,  Ye  shall  die 
in  3'our  sins,  and  where  I  am  ye 
cauuot  come,  what  did  they  say  ? 

A.  Will  he  kill  himself? 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  those 
who  believed  on  him? 

A.  If  ye  continue  in  my 
TTord,  then  are  ye  my  disci- 
ples indeed :  and  ye  shall 
know  the  trath,  and  the  truth 
shall  make  you  free. 

Q.  When  they  said.  We  be 
Abraham's  seed,  and  were  never 
in  bondage,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  Whosoever  committeth 
sin  is  the  servant  of  sin :  if 
the  Son  shall  make  you  free, 
yc  shall  be  free  indeed. 

Q.  When  they  said,  Abraham 
is  om-  father,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  If  ye  were  Abraham's 
seed,  ye  would  do  the  works 
of  Abraham. 

Q.  When  they  said  God  was 
their  Father,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  If  God  were  your  Fa- 
ther, ye  would  love  me. 

Q.  Who  was  their  father? 

A.  The  devil. 


Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  of  him? 

A.  He  was  a  murderer 
from  the  beginning — a  liar, 
and  the  father  of  lies. 

Q.  What  did  he  ask  them? 

A.  Which  of  you  convinc- 
eth  me  of  sin  ? 

Q.  When  they  said  he  was  a 
Samaritan  and  had  a  devil,  what 
did  he  reply? 

A.  I  have  not  a  devil.  If 
a  man  keep  my  saying,  he 
shall  never  see  death. 

Q.  When  they  asked  if  he  was 
greater  than  Abraham  and  the 
prophets  who  were  dead,  what 
did  he  say  ? 

A.  Your  father  Abraham 
rejoiced  to  see  my  day,  and 
he  saw  it,  and  was  glad. 

Q.  When  they  said,  Thou  art 
not  yet  fifty  years  old,  and  hast 
thou  seen  Abraham?  what  did 
he  say? 

A.  Before  Abraham  was,  I 
am. 

Q,  When  they  took  up  stones 
to  cast  at  him,  what  did  he  do  ? 
A.  Went  out  of  the  temple. 


LESSON   XXIII. 


Q.  When  they  saw  a  blind 
man,  what  did  the  disciples  ask? 

A.  Who  did  sin,  this  man 
or  his  parents,  that  he  was 
born  blind  ?     John  ix. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  tell  them  ? 

A.  That  his  blindness  was 

not  for  his  own  sin  or  his 


parents',  but  that  the  works 
of  God  should  be  made  man- 
ifest in  him. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  add? 

A.  I  must  work  the  works 
of  him  that  sent  me,  while  it 
is  day ;  the  night  cometh, 
when  no  man  can  work. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


43 


Q.  What  did  he  do? 

A.  Anointed  the  eyes  of 
the  blind  man  with  clay  made 
of  spittle. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  him? 

A.  Go,  wash  in  the  pool  of 
Siloam. 

Q.  Did  he  do  so? 

A.  Yes,  and  came  seeing. 

Q.  As  this  -was  the  Sabbath, 
what  said  some  of  the  Pharisees  ? 

A.  This  man  is  not  of  God. 
Q.  ^\^lat  did  others  say  ? 
A.  How  can  a  man  that  is 
a  sinner  do  such  miracles  ? 
Q.  What  did  the  man  say  ? 
A.  He  is  a  prophet. 

Q.  When  the  Jews  asked  his 
parents  about  him,  what  did 
they  say  ? 

A.  We  know  that  this  is 
our  son,  and  that  he  was  bom 
blind ;  but  by  what  means  he 
now  seotli,  we  know  not :  he 
is  of  age,  ask  him. 

Q.  Why  did  they  say  this  ? 

A.  Because  they  feared 
the  Jews. 

Q.  When  they  said  to  the  man, 
Give  God  the  praise :  we  know 
that  this  man  is  a  sinner,  what 
did  he  reply  ? 

A.  "Whether  he  be  a  sinner 
or  no,  I  know  not :  one  thing 
I  know,  that  whereas  I  was 
blind,  now  I  see. 

Q.  When  they  cast  him  out, 
what  did  Jesus  ask  him? 

A.  Dost  thou  believe  on 
the  Son  of  God  ? 

Q.  When  he  said,  Who  is  he, 


Lord,  that  I  might  believe  on 
him?  what  did  Jesus  answer? 

A.  It  is  he  that  talketh 
with  thee. 

Q.  What  did  the  man  say? 

A.  Lord,  I  believe ;  and 
he  worshipped  him. 

Q.  TVTien  Jesus  said  that  he 
was  come  that  they  which  see 
not  might  see,  and  they  which 
see  might  be  made  blind,  what 
did  the  Pharisees  say? 

A.  Are  we  blind  also  ? 

Q.  What  did  he  answer  ? 

A.  If  ye  were  blind,  ye 
should  have  no  sin  ;  but  now 
ye  say,  AVe  see ;  therefore 
your  sin  remaineth. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  call  him- 
self? 

A.  The  door  into  the  sheep- 
fold.     John  X. 

Q.  What  are-  those  who  climb 
up  some  other  way? 

A.  Thieves  and  robbers. 

Q.  Who  is  he  that  entereth  in 
by  the  door? 

A.  The  shepherd. 

Q.  Why  did  he  call  himself  the 
good  shepherd? 

A.  Because  he  gave  his 
life  for  the  sheep. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  there 
shall  be  ? 

A.  One  fold  and  one  shep- 
herd. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  of  his  life? 

A.  No  man  taketh  it  from 
me,  but  I  lay  it  down  of  my- 
self: I  have  power  to  lay  it 
down,  and  I  have  power  to 
take  it  again^ 


44 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  some  say? 

A.  He  hath  a  devil,  and  is 
mad. 

Q.  What  did  others  say  ? 

A.  These  are  not  the  words 
of  him  that  hath  a  devil :  can 
a  devil  open  the  eyes  of  the 
blind? 

Q.  When  did  this  take  place  ? 
A.  At  the  Feast  of  Dedi- 
cation, and  it  was  winter. 

Q.  As  Jesus  walked  in  the 
temple,  in  Solomon's  porch,  what 
did  the  Jews  saj'^  ? 

A.  If  thou  be  th«  Christ, 
tell  us  plainly. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  I  told  you,  and  ye  be- 
lieved not :  the  works  that  I 
do  in  my  Father's  name,  they 
bear  witness  of  me. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  of  his 
sheep  ? 

A.  My  sheep  hear  my 
voice,  and  I  know  them,  and 
they  follow  me ;  and  I  give 
unto  them  eternal  life,  and 
they  shall  never  perish, 
neither  shall  any  man  pluck 
them  out  of  my  hand. 

Q.  When  he  said,  I  and  my 
Father  are  one,  ULhat  did  the 
Jews  do  ? 


A.  Took  up  stones  again 
to  stone  him. 

Q.  When  he  asked  them  for 
which  of  his  many  good  works 
they  would  stone  him,  what  did 
they  say  ? 

A,  For  a  good  work  we 
stone  thee  not,  but  for  blas- 
phemy, and  because  that 
thou,  being  a  man,  makest 
thyself  God. 

Q.  How  did  he  reply  to  this? 

A.  Is  it  not  written  in 
your  law,  I  said,  Ye  are  gods? 
If  he  called  them  gods,  unto 
whom  the  word  of  God  came, 
say  ye  of  him  whom  the  Fa- 
ther hath  sanctified  and  sent 
into  the  world.  Thou  blas- 
phemest;  because  I  said,  I 
am  the  Son  of  God  ? 

Q.  When  they  sought  again  to 
take  him,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Escaped  out  of  their 
hand. 

Q.  Where  did  he  then  abide  ? 

A.  Beyond  Jordan,  where 
John  first  baptized. 

Q.  Why  did  many  resort  to 
him  and  believe  on  him? 

A.  They  said,  John  did  no 
miracle ;  but  all  things  that 
John  spake  of  this  man  were 
true. 


LESSON     XXIV. 


Q.  When  a  lawyer  tempted 
Jesus,  saying.  Muster,  what  shall 
I  do  to  inherit  eternal  life,  what 
did  he  say  ? 


A.  What  is  written  in  the 
law  ?     Luke  x.  25. 
Q.  When  the  lawyer  repeated 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


45 


tlie  commandmentg  requiring 
love  to  God  and  our  neighbor, 
what  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  This  do,  and  thou  shalt 
live. 

Q.  When  he  asked,  Who  is  my 
neighbor?  how  did  Jesus  answer 
him? 

A.  By  a  story  of  a  man 
who  was  robbed  and  wound- 
ed on  the  road  from  Jerusa- 
lem to  Jericho. 

Q.  Who  did  he  say  relieved 
him? 

A.  A  Samaritan,  though  a 
priest  and  scribe  had  refused 
to  help  him. 

Q.  When  Jesus  asked  the  law- 
yer which  of  the  three  was  neigh- 
bor to  him  who  fell  among 
thieves,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  He  that  showed  mercy 
on  him, 

Q.  What  then  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  Go,  and  do  thou  like- 
wise. 

Q.  When  he  was  in  a  certain 
village,  who  received  him  into 
her  house  ? 

A.  Martha. 

Q.  Had  she  a  sister? 

A.  Yes,  Mary. 

Q.  What  did  Mary  do  ? 

A.  She  sat  at  Jesus's  feet, 
and  heard  his  word. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  Martha? 

A.  She  was  cumbered 
about  much  serving. 

Q.  When  she  wanted  Jesus  to 
bid  Mary  help  her,  what  did  he 
Bay? 

A.  Martha,  Martha,  thou 


art  careful  and  troubled 
about  many  things  ;  but  one 
thing  is  needful ;  and  Mary 
hath  chosen  that  good  part, 
which  shall  not  be  taken 
away  from  her, 

Q.  When  Jesus  had  been  pray- 
ing in  a  certain  place,  what  did 
his  disciples  say? 

A.  Lord,  teach  us  to  pray, 
as  John  also  taught  his  dis- 
ciples.    Luke  xi, 

Q.  What  form  did  he  give 
them  ? 

A.  The  Lord's  Prayer. 

Q.  How  did  he  recommend 
importunity? 

A.  By  the  case  of  a  man 
who  gets  up  at  midnight  to 
give  his  neighbor  bread,  not 
because  he  is  his  friend,  but 
because  of  his  importunity. 

Q.  When  some  told  Jesus  of 
the  Galileans,  whose  blood  Pilate 
had  mingled  with  their  sacrifices, 
what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  That  neither  they,  nor 
those  eighteen  on  whom  the 
tower  in  Siloam  fell,  were 
greater  sinners  than  others ; 
but  except  ye  repent,  ye  shall 
all  likewise  perish.  Luke 
xiii. 

Q,  What  parable  did  he  speak? 

A,  Of  a  man  who  had  a 
fig -tree  which  had  been  bar- 
ren three  years. 

Q.  What  did  the  man  tell  the 
vine-dresser  to  do  with  it? 

A.  Cut  it  down:  why  cum- 
bereth  it  the  ground  ? 


46 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  the  vine-dresser 
request? 

A.  To  be  allowed  to  culti- 
vate it  another  year,  and 
then  if  it  were  fruitless,  cut 
it  down. 

Q.  When  Jesus  was  teaching 
in  the  synagogue,  whom  did  he 
see  there  ? 

A.  A  woman  who  had 
been  bowed  together  eighteen 
years. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  do  ? 

A.  Healed  her. 

Q.  When  the  ruler  of  the  syn- 
agogue found  fault  because  it 
was  the  Sabbath,  how  did  Jesus 
reprove  him? 

A,  By  asking  if  they  did 
not  loose  their  cattle  on  the 
Sabbath,  in  order  to  water 
them ;  and  ought  not  a  daugh- 
ter of  Abraham  to  be  loosed 
from  this  bond  on  the  Sab- 
bath-day ? 

Q.  What  eflfect  did  this  pro- 
duce? 


A.  His  adversaries  werd 
ashamed,  and  all  the  people 
rejoiced. 

Q.  When  one  said,  Lord,  are 
there  few  that  be  saved?  what 
did  he  answer  ? 

A.  Strive  to  enter  in  at 
the  strait  gate ;  for  many,  I 
say  unto  you,  shall  seek  to 
enter  in,  and  shall  not  be  able. 

Q.  When  the  master  of  the 
house  is  risen  up  and  hath  shut 
the  door,  will  it  be  opened  to 
those  who  knock  ? 

A.  No :  he  will  say,  I  know 
you  not  whence  ye  are :  de- 
part from  me,  all  ye  workers 
of  iniquity. 

Q.  When  the  Pharisees  said, 
Depart  hence,  for  Herod  will 
kill  thee,  what  did  he  bid  them 
tell  that  fox,  as  he  called  Herod? 

A.  That  he  was  going  to 
work  miracles  a  few  days 
longer,  and  that  a  prophet 
cannot  perish  out  of  Jeru- 
salem. 


LESSON    XXV. 


Q.  When  Jesus  was  eating  with 
one  of  the  chief  Pharisees  on  the 
Babbath,  who  was  present? 

A.  A  certain  man  who  had 
the  dv.>psy.     Luke  xiv. 

Q.  When  Jesus  asked  them. 
Is  it  lawful  to  heal  on  the  Sab- 
bath? what  did  they  answer? 

A.  They  held  their  peace. 

Q.  After  healing  the  man,  how 
did  he  justify  the  act? 


A.  By  asking  them  if  they 
would  not  pull  an  ass  or  an 
ox  out  of  a  pit  on  the  Sab- 
bath. 

Q.  When  he  saw  them  choos- 
ing the  chief  rooms,  what  did  he 
advise  them? 

A.  To  take  the  lowest  room 
at  a  feast,  so  that  they  might 
be  invited  higher,  rather  than 
put  lower. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


47 


Q,  What  rule  did  he  lay  down  ? 

A.  Whosoever  exalteth 
himself  shall  be  abased,  and 
he  that  humbleth  himself 
shall  be  exalted. 

Q.  "\\Tien  he  told  him  who  in- 
vited him  to  let  his  guests  be 
such  a3  could  not  recompense 
him,  rather  than  those  who 
could,  what  did  he  assure  him? 

A.  Thou  shalt  be  recom- 
pensed at  the  resurrection  of 
the  just. 

Q.  How  did  he  show  the  ne- 
cessity of  self-denial  to  become 
his  disciple? 

A.  By  the  case  of  a  man 
•who  began  to  build  -without 
counting  the  cost. 

Q.  By  what  other  case? 

A,  That  of  a  king  who 
looks  at  the  probable  issue  of 
a  war  before  he  enters  into  it. 

Q.  When  publicans  and  sin- 
ners came  to  hear  him,  what  did 
the  Pharisees  and  scribes  say? 

A.  This  man  receiveth  sin- 
ners, and  eateth  with  them. 
Luke  XV. 

Q.  What  parable  did  he  speak? 

A.  That  of  a  man  who  had 
a  hundred  sheep,  and  lost  one 
of  them. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Left  the  ninety  and  nine 
and  went  after  the  lost  sheep. 

Q.  When  he  found  it,  what 
did  he  do  ? 

A.  Brought  him  home,  and 
said  to  his  friends,  Rejijice 
with  me,  for  I  have  found  the 
sheet)  which  was  lost. 


Q.  How  did  he  apply  this  ? 

A.  Likewise  joy  shall  be 
in  heaven  over  one  sinner 
that  repenteth,  more  than 
over  ninety  and  nine  just  per- 
sons, which  need  no  repent- 
ance. 

Q.  What  other  parable  did  he 
speak? 

A.  That  of  a  woman  who 
had  ten  pieces  of  silver,  and 
lost  one  of  them. 

Q.  Wliat  did  she  do  ? 

A.  Lighted  a  candle,  and 
swept  the  house,  and  sought 
diligently  till  she  found  it. 

Q.  "When  she  found  it,  what 
did  she  say  to  her  friends? 

A.  Rejoice  with  me,  for  I 
have  found  the  piece  which 
I  had  lost. 

Q.  How  did  he  apply  this? 

A.  There  is  joy  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  angels  of  God 
over  one  sinner  that  re- 
penteth. 

Q.  What  other  parable  did  he 
speak? 

A.  That  of  a  man  who  had 

two  sons. 

Q.  What  did  the  younger  son 
do? 

A.  Asked  his  father  for 
the  property  falling  to  him, 
and  when  he  got  it,  went  and 
wasted  it  with  riotous  liv- 
ing. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  Hired  himself  as  a 
feeder  of  swine,  and  desired 
some  of  their  husks  to  eat. 


48 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  When  he  came  to  himself, 
what  did  he  say? 

A.  How  mauy  hired  ser- 
vants of  my  father's  have 
bread  enough  and  to  spare, 
and  I  perish  vrith  hunger  ! 

Q.  What  did  he  resolve  to  do? 

A.  I  will  arise  and  go  to 
my  Father,  and  will"  say 
unto  him,  Father,  I  have 
sinned  against  Heaven,  and 
before  thee,  and  am  no  more 
worthy  to  be  called  thy  son : 
make  me  as  one  of  thy  hired 
servants. 

Q.  When  he  was  returning, 
what  did  his  father  do  ? 

A.  Saw  him  when  he  was 
a  great  way  off,  and  had  com- 

Eassion,  and  ran  and  fell  on 
is  neck  and  kissed  him. 
Q.  "When  the  son  was  making 


his    confession,    what    did   the 
father  say  to  his  servants  ? 

A.  Bring  forth  the  best 
robe,  and  put  it  on  him,  and 
put  a  ring  on  his  hand,  and 
shoes  on  his  feet ;  and  bring 
hither  the  fatted  calf  and  kill 
it,  and  let  us  eat  and  be 
merry ;  for  this  my  son  was 
dead,  and  is  alive  again :  he 
was  lost,  and  is  found. 

Q.  When  his  elder  brother 
was  displeased  at  the  prodigal's 
reception,  what  did  his  father 
say? 

A.  Son,  thou  art  ever  with 
me,  and  all  that  I  have  is 
thine :  it  was  meet  that  we 
should  make  merry,  and  be 
glad ;  for  this  thy  brother 
was  dead,  and  is  alive  again ; 
and  was  lost,  and  is  found. 


LESSON    XXVI 


Q.  What  parable  did  Jesus 
speak  to  his  disciples? 

A.  One  of  a  rich  man,  who 
had  a  wasteful  steward.  Luke 
xvi. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  him? 

A.  Give  an  account  of  thy 
stewardship ;  for  thou  mayest 
be  no  longer  steward. 

Q.  When  the  steward  found 
he  was  going  out  of  office,  that 
lie  could  not  dig,  and  was  asham- 
ed to  beg,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Made  friends  of  his 
master's  debtors,  by  reduc- 
ing their  debts. 


Q.  Did  his  master  commend 
his  shrewdness? 

A.  Yes;  but  not  his  dis- 
honesty. 

Q.  Ought  the  children  of  light 
to  be  as  shrewd  in  spiritual  mat- 
ters as  others  are  in  worldly? 

A.  Yes ;  but  Christ  sayS 
they  are  not. 

Q.  What  advice  does  he  give? 

A,  Make  to  yourselves 
friends  of  the  mammon  of 
unrighteousness,  that  when 
ye  fail  they  may  receive  yoii 
into  everlasting  habitations. 

Q.  When  the  covetous  Phari- 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


49 


Bees  derided  Mm,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  Ye  are  they  "which  jus- 
tify yourselves  before  men ; 
but  God  knoweth  your  hearts : 
for  that  which  is  highly  es- 
teemed among  men,  is  abom- 
ination in  the  sight  of  God. 

Q.  Of  whom  did  he  then  tell 
them  ? 

A.  Of  a  rich  man,  who 
was  clothed  in  purple  and 
fine  linen,  and  fared  sump- 
tuously every  day  ;  and  of  a 
beggar  named  Lazarus,  who 
lay  at  his  gate  full  of  sores. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  of  Laza- 
rus? 

A.  He  desired  to  be  fed 
with  the  crumbs  which  fell 
from  the  rich  man's  table: 
moreover,  the  dogs  came  and 
licked  his  sores. 

Q.  What  became  of  him? 

A.  He  died,  and  was  car- 
ried by  the  angels  into  Abra- 
ham's bosom. 

Q.  What  became  of  the  rich 
man? 

A.  He  also  died,  and  was 
buried,  and  in  hell  he  lifted 
up  his  eyes,  being  in  tor- 
ments. 

Q.    When    he    saw  Abraham 


afar    off,    and    Lazarus    in    his 
bosom,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  Father  Abraham,  have 
mercy  on  me,  and  send  Laz- 
arus, that  he  may  dip  the  tip 
of  his  finger  in  water  and 
cool  my  tongue ;  for  I  am 
tormented  in  this  flame. 

Q.  What  did  Abraham  say? 

A.  Son,  remember  that 
thou  in  thy  lifetime  receivedst 
thy  good  things,  and  likewise 
Lazarus  evil  things  ;  but  now 
he  is  comforted,  and  thou  art 
tormented. 

Q.  When  he  told  them  that 
the  gulf  between  heaven  and 
hell  could  not  be  passed,  what 
did  the  rich  man  ask? 

A.  That  Lazarus  might  be 
sent  to  his  father's  house  to 
warn  his  five  brethren,  lest 
they  should  also  be  lost. 

Q.  When  Abraham  told  him 
they  might  hear  Moses  and  the 
prophets,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  Nay,  father  Abraham ; 
but  if  one  went  unto  them 
from  the  dead,  they  would 
repent. 

Q.  What  did  Abraham  say? 

A.  If  they  hear  not  Moses 
and  the  prophets,  neither  will 
they  be  persuaded,  though 
one  rose  from  the  dead. 


50 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


LESSON    XXVII. 


Q.  How  does  Jesus  set  forth 
our  duty  to  God? 

A.  By  that  of  a  servant 
■who  does  not  expect  his  mas- 
ter to  thank  him  for  serving 
him  before  he  eats  himself. 
Luke  xvii. 

Q.  What  are  we  to  say  when 
we  have  done  all  that  is  com- 
manded us? 

A.  We  are  unprofitable 
servants :  we  have  done  that 
■which  was  our  duty  to  do. 

Q.  When  the  Pharisees  asked 
him  when  the  kingdom  of  God 
should  come,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  The  kingdom  of  God 
cometh  not  with  observation. 

Q.  Did  he  tell  them  it  had 
already  begun? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  parable  did  he  speak 
to  show  that  men  ought  always 
to  pray  and  not  to  faint? 

A.  That  of  a  judge  who 
feared  not  God,  neither  re- 
garded man,  and  of  a  widow 
who  came  to  him  saying, 
Avenge  me  of  mine  adver- 
sary.    Luke  xviii. 

Q.  After  disregarding  her  for 
a  while,  what  did  he  say  to  him- 
self? 

A.  Though  I  fear  not  God, 
nor  regard  man,  jot  because 
this  widow  troubloth  me,  I 
will  avenge  her,  lest  by  her 
continued  coming  she  weary 
me. 

Q.  How  did  the  Lord  apply  it? 


A.  Shall  not  God  avenge 
his  own  elect,  which  cry  day 
and  night  unto  him,  though 
he  bear  long  with  them  ? 

Q.  Did  he  say  he  would? 
A.  Yes,  speedily. 

Q.  What  parable  did  he  speak 
to  certain  wlio  trusted  in  tliem- 
selves  that  they  were  righteous, 
and  despised  others  ? 

A.  That  of  two  men  who 
went  up  to  the  temple  to 
pray :  a  Pharisee  and  a  pub- 
lican.    Luke  xviii. 

Q.  What  did  the  Pharisee  do? 

A.  Stood  and  prayed  thus 
with  himself:  God,  I  thank 
thee  that  I  am  not  as  other 
men  are,  or  even  as  this  pub- 
lican :  I  fiist  twice  in  the 
week,  I  give  tithes  of  all  that 
I  possess. 

Q.  What  did  the  publican  do? 

A.  Standing  afar  off,  he 
would  not  lift  up  his  eyes 
vinto  heaven,  but  smote  upon 
his  breast,  saying,  God  be 
merciful  to  me  a  sinner. 

Q,  What  did  Jesus  say  about 
him  ? 

A.  He  went  do-vm  to  his 
house  justified  rather  than 
the  other. 

Q.  How  did  he  apply  it? 

A.  For  every  one  that  exalt- 
eth  himself  shall  be  abased ; 
and  he  that  humbleth  Mm"* 
self  shall  be  exalted. 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


51 


LESSON   XXVIII. 


Q,  "WTien  Jesus  went  beyond 
Jordan,  what  took  place? 

A.  Multitudes  followed 
him,  and  he  healed  them 
there.     Matt.  xix. :  Mark  x. 

Q.  When  the  Pharisees  asked 
him  if  a  man  might  put  away  bis 
wife  for  any  cause,  what  did  he 
say  ? 

A.  That  God  had  made  the 
man  and  his  wife  one :  what 
therefore  God  hath  joined 
together,  let  not  man  put 
asunder. 

Q.  When  they  brought  infant* 
to  him,  what  did  the  disciples  do  ? 

A.  Kebuked  those  that 
brought  them.  Luke  xviii. 
15. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 

A,  He  was  much  dis- 
pleased, and  said,  Suffer  the 
little  children  to  come  unto 
me,  and  forbid  them  not ;  for 
of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
God. 

Q.  How  did  he  show  his  re- 
gard for  them? 

A.  He  took  them  up  in  his 
arms,  put  his  hands  upon 
them,  and  blessed  them. 

Q.  "UHien  a  young  ruler  asked 
him.  What  good  thing  shall  I  do 
that  I  may  have  eternal  life? 
what  did  he  answer  ? 

A,  If  thou  wilt  enter  into 
life,  keep  the  commandments. 

Q.  WTien  the  ruler  said  he  had 
kept  them  from  his  yo-uth  up, 


and  asked  what  he  lacked  yet, 
what  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  If  thou  wilt  be  perfect, 
go  and  sell  all  that  thou  hast, 
and  give  to  the  poor,  and 
thou  shalt  have  treasure  in 
heaven;  and  come  and  fol- 
low me. 

Q.  When  the  young  man 
heard  that,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Went  away  sorrowful, 
for  he  had  great  possessions. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  ? 

A.  It  is  easier  for  a  camel 
to  go  through  the  eye  of  a 
needle  than  for  a  rich  man  to 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God.  ^ 

Q.  When  the  disciples  were 
amazed,  and  asked,  Who  then 
can  be  saved?  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  "With  men  this  is  im- 
possible, but  with  God  all 
things  are  possible. 

Q.  When  Peter  asked  what 
should  be  given  those  who  had 
left  all  and  followed  him,  what 
did  Jesus  say? 

A.  Ye  shall  sit  upon  twelve 
thrones,  judging  the  twelve 
tribes  of  Israel. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  every  one 
should  receive  who  left  all  for 
his  sake  ? 

A.  A  hundred-fold  in  this 
time,  and  in  the  world  to 
come  eternal  life. 


52 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  To  what  does  Jesus  liken 
the  kingdom  of  heaven? 

A.  To  a  householder  who 
employed  laborers  in  his  vine- 
yard.    Matt.  XX. 

Q.  Where  did  he  find  the 
laborers? 

A.  In  the  market-place. 

Q.  At  what  hours  did  he  hire 
them? 

A.  Some  of  them  early  in 
the  morning. 

Q,  At  what  other  hours  ? 
A.    The  third,  sixth,  and 
ninth. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  those 
whom  he  found  at  the  eleventh 
hour  ? 

A.  Why  stand  ye  here  all 
the  day  idle  ? 

Q.  What  did  they  say? 

A.  Because  no  man  hath 
hired  us. 


Q.  Did  he  hire  them  ? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  when  even 
was  come? 

A.  Call  the  laborers,  and 
give  them  their  hire, 

Q.  Who  were  paid  first? 

A.  Those  who  were  hired 
last. 

Q.  What  did  they  get? 

A.  Every  man  a  penny, 
about  fifteen  cents. 

Q.  What  did  the  others  get? 

A.  The  same. 

Q.  When  the  first  complained, 
what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Friend,  I  do  thee  no 
^vrong :  didst  thou  not  agree 
with  me  for  a  penny  ? 

Q.  Had  he  the  right  to  give  to 
the  last  that  were  hired  as  much 

as  to  the  first  ? 

A.  He  had. 


LESSON    XXIX. 


Q.  When  Jesus  was  going  up 
to  Jerusalem,  what  did  he  tell 
the  disciples? 

A.  That  he  was  going  there 
to  be  crucified,  and  to  rise 
again.  INIatt.  xx.  17 :  Mark 
X.  32 :  Luke  xviii.  31. 

Q.  Did  they  understand  him? 
A.  No.     > 

Q.  What  did  the  mother  of 
Zebedee's  children  desire  of 
him? 

A.  That  her  sons  might 


sit  on  his  right  hand  and  on 
his  left  in  his  kingdom. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  That  he  could  give  this 
honor  to  those  only  for  whom 
his  Father  had  prepared  it. 

Q.  When  the  other  disciples 
were  angry  witli  tlie  two  bre- 
thren, what  did  he  tell  them? 

A.  That  the  greatest  of 
them  should  be  their  servant. 

Q.  What  example  did  he  give 
them? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


53 


A.  Even  as  the  Son  of 
man  came  not  to  be  minis- 
tered unto,  but  to  minister, 
and  to  give  his  life  a  ransom 
for  many. 

Q.  When  they  departed  from 
Jericho,  who  cried  out  to  him? 

A.  Two  blind  men. 

Q.  What  did  they  say? 

A.  Have  mercy  on  us,  0 
Lord,  thou  Son  of  David. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  them? 

A.  What  will  ye  that  I 
shall  do  unto  you  ? 

Q.  Whatdid  they  say? 

A.  Lord,  that  our  eyes  may 
be  opened. 

Q.  Whatdid  Jesus  do? 

A.  Touched  their  eyes,  and 
they  received  sight. 

Q.  What  was  the  name  of  one 
of  them  ? 

A.  Bartimeus,  a  beggar. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  when  he 
was  going  to  Jesus? 

A.  Cast  away  his  garment. 
Q.  ^^^lat  did  Jesus  say  to  him? 
A.  Go  thy  way :  thy  faith 
hath  made  thee  whole. 

Q.  When  he  received  his  sight, 
what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Followed  Jesus. 

Q.  As  Jesus  was  passing 
through  Jericho,  who  sought  to 
Bee  him  ? 

A.  Zaccheus,  a  chief  pub- 
lican, and  rich  man,  though 
small  of  stature.     Luke  xix. 

-    Q.    What  did   he  do  to  see 
.him? 


A.  Climbed  up  into  a  syca- 
more tree. 

Q.  When  Jesus  saw  him,  what 
did  he  say? 

A.  Zaccheus,  make  haste 
and  come  down,  for  to-day  I 
must  abide  at  thy  house. 

Q.  What  did  Zaccheus  do? 

A.  3Iade  haste  and  came 
down,  and  received  him  joy- 
fully. 

Q.  Did  the  people  murmur? 

A.  Yes,  because  Jesus  was 
gone  to  be  the  guest  of  a  sin- 
ner. 

Q.  Wliat  did  Zaccheus  say? 

A.  Behold,  Lord,  the  half 
of  my  goods  I  give  to  the 
poor ;  and  if  I  have  taken 
any  thing  from  any  man  by 
false  accusation,  I  restore  him 
fourfold. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply? 

A,  This  day  is  salvation 
come  to  this  house,  forasmuch 
as  he  also  is  the  son  of  Abra- 
liam.  For  the  Son  of  man  is 
come  to  seek  and  to  save  that 
which  was  lost. 

Q.  When  they  came  to  the 
Mount  of  Olives,  what  did  Jesus 
do? 

A.  Sent  two  disciples  to 
borrow  an  ass  with  a  colt  for 
him  to  ride.  Matt.  xxi. : 
Mark  xi. :  John  xii.  12. 

Q.  What  prophecy  was  thus 
fulfilled  ? 

A.  Tell  ye  the  daughter  of 
Sion,  Behold,  thy  king  com- 
eth  unto  thee,  meek,  and  sit- 


54 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


ting  upon  an  ass,  and  a  colt 
the  foal  of  an  ass.    Zecli  ix.  9, 

Q.  When  he  was  riding  toward 
Jerusalem,  Avliat  did  the  multi- 
tude do? 

A.  Spread  their  garments, 
and  branches  of  trees  in  his 
>vay. 

Q.  Wliat  did  they  say  ? 

A.  Ilosanna  to  the  Son  of 
David:  blessed  is  he  that 
Cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord :  Hosanna  in  the  high- 
est. 

Q.  When  the  city  was  moved, 
saying,  Who  is  this?  what  did 
the  multitude  answer? 

A.  This  is  Jesus,  the  pro- 
phet of  Nazareth. 

Q,  When  he  cast  out  those 
who  bought  and  sold  in  the  tem- 
ple, what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  It  is  written.  My  house 


shall  be  called  the  house  of 
prayer ;  but  ye  have  made  it 
a  den  of  thieves.  Isa.  Ivi.  7  ; 
Jer.  vii.  11. 

Q.  When  the  blind  and  lame 
came  to  him  in  the  temple,  what 
did  he  do? 

A.  Healed  them. 

Q.  When  the  chief-priests  and 
scribes  saw  what  he  did,  and 
heard  the  children  crying  in  the 
temple,  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of 
David,  how  were  they  affected? 

A,  They  were  sore  dis- 
pleased. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  Have  ye  never  read, 
Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes 
and  sucklings  thou  hast  per- 
fected praise  ?     Ps.  viii.  2. 

Q.  Where  did  he  lodge  at 
night? 

A.  In  Bethany. 


LESSON   XXX. 


Q.  When  Jesiis  was  returning 
to  the  city  in  the  morning,  being 
hungry,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Went  to  a  fig-tree  for 
figs.  Matt.  xxi.  18:  Mark 
xi.  20. 

Q.  Were  there  any  on  it  ? 

A.  No,  only  leaves. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  it? 

A.  Let  no  fruit  grow  on 
thee  henceforward  for  ever. 

Q.  When  the  disciples  saw 
the  fig-tree  dry  up  by  the  roots, 
what  did  they  say  ? 


A.  How  soon  is  the  fig- 
tree  withered  away ! 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  ? 

A.  That  if  they  had  faith, 
they  should  not  only  do  as 
he  had  done  to  the  fig-tree, 
but  also  remove  a  mountain. 

Q.  What  promise  did  he  give  I 
them?  j 

A.  All  things  whatsoever! 
ye  shall  ask  in  prayer,  be-' 
lieving,  ye  shall  receive. 

Q,  Whenthe  chief- priests  and: 
elders  asked  him,  By  what  au^ 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


55 


tliority  doest  thou  these  things? 
and  who  gave  thee  this  au- 
thority? what  did  he  ask  them? 

A.  Whether  the  baptism 
of  John  was  from  heaven  or 
of  men.     Luke  xx. 

Q.  What  did  they  say? 

A.  We  cannot  tell. 

Q.  Why  did  they  refuse  to 
answer  ? 

A.  Because  if  they  said, 
From  heaven,  he  would  say, 
Why  did  ye  not  then  believe 
him ;  and  if  they  said.  Of 
men,  they  feared  the  people, 
for  all  men  considered  John 
a  prophet. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply? 

A.  Neither  tell  I  you  by 
what  authority  I  do  these 
things. 

Q.  What  parable  did  he  give 
them  ? 

A.  That  of  a  man  and  his 

two  sons. 

Q.  "VMiat  did  the  man  say  to 
each  of  them? 

A.  Son,  go  work  to-day  in 
my  vineyard. 

Q.  What  did  the  first  say? 

A.  I  will  not ;  but  after- 
ward he  repented  and  went. 

Q.  What  did  the  second  say? 

A.  I  go,  sir ;  and  went  not. 

Q.  When  he  asked  them  which 
did  the  will  of  his  father,  what 
did  they  say  ? 

A.  The  first. 

Q.   Did  he  apply  this  to  the 

fmblicans  and  harlots  who  be- 
ieved  John,  when  they  did  not? 
A.  He  did. 


Q.  What  other  parable  did  he 
speak? 

A.  That  of  a  householder 
who  let  out  his  vineyard  to 
husbandmen. 

Q.  When  he  sent  his  servants 
to  receive  the  fruits,  what  did 
the  husbandmen  do? 

A.  Beat  one,  killed  another, 
and  stoned  another. 

Q.  When  he  sent  other  ser- 
vants, more  than  the  fiist,  how 
did  they  treat  them? 

A.  In  the  same  way. 

Q.  When  he  sent  them  his  son, 
what  did  they  say? 

A.  This  is  the  heir :  come, 
let  us  kill  him,  and  let  us 
seize  on  his  inheritance. 

Q.  Did  they  do  so? 

A.  They  did. 

Q  TVliat  did  the  chief-priests 
and  elders  say  the  lord  would  do 
to  them  ? 

A.  Destroy  them,  and  let 
out  his  vineyard  to  others. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  them? 

A.  Did  ye  never  read  in  the 
Scriptures,  The  stone  which 
the  builders  rejected,  the 
same  is  become  the  head  of 
the  corner :  this  is  the  Lord's 
doing,  and  it  is  marvellous  in 
our  eyes  ?     Ps.  cxviii,  22,  23. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  should 
be  done  to  them? 

A.  The  kingdom  of  God 
shall  be  taken  from  you,  and 
given  to  a  nation  bringing 
forth  the  fruits  thereof. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  say? 

A.    Whosoever   shall   fall 


56 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


on  this  stone  shall  be  l:)i*oken ; 
but  on  ■svhomsoever  it  shall 
fall,  it  will  grind  him  to 
powder. 

Q.    When  they  saw  that  he 
Bpake  of  them,  what  did  the}'  do  ? 


A.  Sought  to  lay  hands  oa 
him. 

Q.  Did  they  do  so? 

A.  No:  they  feared  the 
people,  who  took  him  for  a 
prophet. 


LESSON    XXXI. 


Q.  To  what  did  Jesus  liken  the 
kingdom  of  heaven? 

A.  To  a  certain  king,  who 
made  a  marriage  for  his  son. 
Matt.  xxii. 

Q.  When  he  sent  his  servants 
to  call  them  that  were  bidden  to 
the  wedding,  would  they  come? 

A.  They  would  not. 

Q.  When  he  sent  other  ser- 
vants, saying,  All  things  are 
ready:  come  unto  the  marriage, 
what  was  the  result? 

A.  They  made  light  of  it. 

Q.  What  did  they  do? 

A.  One  went  to  his  farm, 
another  to  his  merchandise, 
and  the  rest  killed  the  ser- 
vants of  the  king. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  when  he 
heard  thereof? 

A.  lie  destroyed  those 
murderers. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  his  ser- 
vants to  do? 

A.  Go  to  the  highways  for 
guests. 

Q,  When  he  came  in  to  see 
the  guests,  whom  did  he  see? 

A.  A  man  Avho  had  not  on 
a  wedding  garment. 


Q.  What  did  he  say  to  him? 

A.  Friend,  how  camest 
thou  in  hither,  not  having  a 
wedding  garment? 

Q.  What  did  he  reply? 

A.  He  was  speechless. 

Q.  What  did  the  king  tell  his 
servants  to  do  with  him  ? 

A.  Bind  him,  and  cast  him 
into  outer  darkness. 

Q.  What  then  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  For  many  are  called, 
but  few  are  chosen. 

Q.  What  question  did  the 
Pharisees  and  Herodians  put  to 
him  to  entangle  him? 

A.  Is  it  lawful  to  give 
tribute  to  Caesar,  or  not? 
Mark  xii.  13  :  Luke  xx.  20. 

Q.  What  did  he  answer? 

A.  Why  tempt  ye  me,  ye" 
hypocrites?  Show  me  the 
tribute-money. 

Q.  What  did  they  bring  Mm.? 

A.  A  penny. 

Q.  What  did  he  ask  them? 

A.  AVhose  is  this  imago 
and  superscription  ? 

Q.  What  did  they  say?        •   j 

A.  Caesar's. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


57 


Q.  What  did  he  reply? 

A.  Render  therefore  unto 
Csesar  the  things  which  are 
Caesar's,  and  unto  God  the 
things  that  are  God's. 

Q.  What  did  they  then  do? 

A.  Marvelled,  and  left 
him. 

Q.  Who  then  came  to  Jesus? 

A.  The  Sadducees,  who 
say  there  is  no  resurrection. 

Q.  When  they  asked  him  which 
of  seven  husbands  a  woman  had 
in  this  life  she  should  have  in 
the  resurrection,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  Ye  do  err,  not  know- 
ing the  Scriptures,  nor  the 
poAver  of  God. 

Q.  Did  he  say  that  we  shall 
not  marry  or  die  in  the  other 
world? 

A.  Yes :  we  shall  be  as  the 
angels. 

Q.  TMiat  did  he  say  touching 
the  resurrection? 

A.  Have  ye  not  read  in  the 

book  of  Moses,  I  am  the  God 

[  of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of 

1  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob  ? 

i*  He   is   not  the   God   of  the 

dead,  but  of  the  living;  for 

all  live  unto  him.    Ex.  iii.  6. 

Q.  When  the  Pharisees  heard 
that  he  had  put  them  to  silence, 
what  did  one  of  them,  a  lawyer, 
ask  him  ? 


A.  Master,  which  is 
great  commandment  in 
law? 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 


the 
the 


A.  Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul, 
and  with  all  thy  mind,  and 
with  all  thy  strength.  Deut. 
vi.  5, 

Q.  What  did  he  call  this? 

A.  The  first  and  great 
commandment. 


Q.   What  did  he 
second? 


say  of  the 


A.  The  second  is  like  unto 
it.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neigh- 
bor as  thyself.     Lev.  xix.  18. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  of  both? 

A.  On  these  two  command- 
ments hang  all  the  law  and 
the  prophets. 

Q.  What  did  the  scribe  an- 
swer? 

A.  "Well,  Master,  thou  hast 
said  the  truth. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  him  ? 

A.  Thou  art  not  far  from 
the  kingdom  of  God. 

Q.  When  Jesus  asked  the 
Pharisees,  What  think  ye  of 
Christ?  whose  son  is  he?  what 
did  they  say? 

A.  The  son  of  David. 

Q.  When  he  quoted  David'a 
language,  Ps.  ex.  1,  The  Lord 
said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  on 
my  right  hand,  till  I  make  thine 
enemies  thy  footstool,  what  did 
he  ask  them  ? 

A.    If  David   then   called 
him  Lord,  how  is  he  his  son  ? 
Q.  What  did  they  answer? 
A.  Not  a  word. 


58 


SCRIPTURE   OATECHrSM. 


LESSON    XXXII. 


Q.  What  did  Jesns  command 
concerning  the  scribes  and  Phar- 
isees who  sat  in  Moses's  seat? 

A.  To  do  as  they  said,  not 
as  they  did.     Matt,  xxiii. 

Q.  Were  they  remarkable  for 
hypocrisy,  ambition,  rapacity, 
and  cruelty? 

A.  They  were;  and  he 
pronounced  woes  on  them 
accordingly. 

Q.  How  did  he  express  his 
sorrow  for  Jerusalem? 

A.  0  Jerusalem,  Jerusa- 
lem, thou  that  killest  the  pro- 
phets, and  stonest  them  which 
are  sent  unto  thee,  how  often 
would  I  have  gathered  thy 
children  together,  even  as  a 
hen  gathereth  her  chickens 
under  her  wings,  and  ye 
would  not. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about  the 
temple  ? 

A.  Behold,  your  house  is 
left  unto  you  desolate. 

Q.  When  he  saw  the  rich  cast- 
ing large  gifts  into  the  treasury, 
and  a  poor  widow  casting  in  two 
mites,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  Of  a  truth  I  say  unto 
you,  that  this  poor  widow 
hath  cast  more  in  than  the^ 
all,    Mark  xii.  41 :  Luke  xxi. 

Q.  How  did  he  prove  this? 

A.  They  cast  in  of  their 
abundance,  but  she  of  her 
want  did  cast  in  all  that  she 
had,  even  all  her  living. 


Q.  When  the  disciples  showed 
him  the  buildings  of  the  templp, 
what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  There  shall  not  be  left 
here  one  stone  upon  another, 
that  shall  not  be  thrown 
down.  Matt.  xxiv. :  Mark 
xiii. 

Q.  What  did  the  disciples  ask 
him? 

A.  When  shall  these  things 
be?  and  what  shall  be  the 
sign  of  thy  coming,  and  of 
the  end  of  the  world  ? 

Q.  What  did  he  say  should 
take  place  before  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  temple  and  city? 

A.  False  Christs  and  false 
prophets  should  come,  and 
there  should  be  many  great 
calamities. 

Q.  What  else  ? 

A.  The  gospel  should  be 
preached  among  all  nations 
for  a  witness. 

Q.  What  else  ? 

A,  The  abomination  of 
desolation,  spoken  of  ]\y 
Daniel,  should  stand  in  the 
holy  place.     Dan.  ix.  27. 

Q.  What  else  ? 

A.  Jerusalem  should  b( 
compassed  with  armies. 

Q.  What  warning  did  he  giv 
those  who  should  then  be  ii 
Judea? 

A.  To  flee  from  it,  if  the; 
left  every  thing. 


I 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


59 


Q.  What  memento  did  he  give 
them? 

A.  Remember  Lot's  wife. 
Luke  xvii.  32. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  of  the 
Jews? 

A.  They  shall  fall  by  the 
edge  of  the  sword,  and  shall 
be  led  away  captive  into  all 
nations. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  say  shall 
Jerusalem  be  trodden  down  of 
the  Gentiles? 

A.  Until  the  times  of  the 
Gentiles  be  fulfilled. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  shall  then 
take  place  ? 

A.  The  Son  of  man  shall 
come  in  the  clouds  of  heaven, 
with  power  and  great  glory. 

Q.  What  will  he  do  at  his 
coming? 

A.  Send  his  angels  to 
gather  together  his  elect. 

Q.  When  did  he  say  the  end 
should  come  ? 

A.  Of  that  day  and  hour 


knoweth  no  man,  no,  not  the 
angels  of  heaven,  but  my 
Father  only. 

Q.  Did  he  say  that  his  coming 
will  be  sudden? 

A.  He  did;  like  that  of 
the  flood  in  the  days  of  Noah, 
and  the  destruction  of  Sodom 
in  the  days  of  Lot. 

Q.  What  did  he  charge  them  ? 

A.  Therefore  be  ye  also 
ready,  for  in  such  an  hour 
as  ye  think  not  the  Son  of 
man  cometh. 

Q.  What  will  be  the  case  with 
those  who  are  found  watching 
for  him  ? 

A.  They  shall  be  rewarded. 

Q.  What  of  those  who  are  not? 

A.  They  shall  have  their 
portion  with  hypocrites : 
there  shall  be  weeping  and 
gnashing  of  teeth. 

Q.  What  admonition  does  he 
give? 

A.  What  I  say  unto  you, 
I  say  unto  all.  Watch. 


LESSON    XXXIII. 


Q.  To  whom  does  Jesus  liken 
the  kingdom  of  heaven? 

A.  To  ten  virgins,  who 
took  their  lamps  and  went 
forth  to  meet  the  bridegroom. 
Matt.  XXV. 

Q.  What  were  their  charac- 
ters? 

A.  Five  of  them  were  wise, 
and  five  were  foolish. 


Q.  What  did  the  foolish  do  ? 

A.  Took  their  lamps,  and 
took  no  oil  with  them. 

Q.  What  did  the  wise  do? 

A.  Took  oil  in  their  ves- 
sels with  their  lamps. 

Q.  While  the  bridegroom  tar- 
ried, what  did  they  do  ? 

A.  They  all  slumbered 
and  slept. 


GO 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  cry  was  made  at  mid- 
night? 

A.  Behold,  the  bridegroom 
Cometh;  go  ye  out  to  meet 
him. 

Q.  What  then  did  the  virgius 
do? 

A.  Arose,  and  trimmed 
their  lamps. 

Q.  What  did  the  foolish  say  to 
the  wise  ? 

A.  Give  us  of  your  oil,  for 
our  lamps  are  gone  out. 

Q.  Wliat  did  the  wise  answer  ? 

A.  Not  so ;  lest  there  be 
not  enough  for  us  and  you ; 
but  go  ye  rather  to  them  that 
sell,  and  buy  for  yourselves. 

Q.  While  they  went  to  buy, 
what  happened? 

A.  The  bridegroom  came, 
and  they  that  v^^ere  ready 
vrent  in  with  him  to  the  mar- 
riage, and  the  door  was  shut. 

Q.  When  the  foolish  vii-gins 
came,  saying,  Lord,  Lord,  open 
to  us,  Avhat  did  he  answer? 

A.  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
I  know  you  not. 

Q.  What  charge  did  Jesus  then 
give  ? 

A.  "Watch  therefore,  for  ye 
know  neither  the  day  nor  the 
hour  wherein  the  Son  of  man 
Cometh. 

Q.  To  what  docs  he  then  liken 
the  kingdom  of  heaven? 

A.  To  a  man  travelling 
into  a  far  country,  who  called 
his  own  servants,  and  deliv- 
ered unto  them  his  goods. 


Q.  Did  he  give  to  each  accord- 
ing to  his  ability? 

A.  Yes ;  to  one,  five  talents ; 
to  another,  two ;  to  another, 
one. 

Q.  When  the  lord  returned, 
what  did  he  do? 

A.  Reckoned  with  his  seD- 
vants. 

Q.  What  account  did  the  first 
give? 

A.  Lord,  thou  deliveredst 
unto  me  five  talents :  behold, 
I  have  gained  beside  them 
five  talents  more. 

Q.  What  did  his  lord  say? 

A.  Well  done,  thou  good 
and  faithful  servant;  thou 
hast  been  faithful  over  a  few 
things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler 
over  many  things :  enter 
thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  lord. 

Q,  What  had  he  gained  who 
received  two  talents? 

A.  Two  more. 

Q.  Was  he  approved  like  tho 
first? 

A.  He  was. 

Q.   What  had  the  third  ser- 
vant done  with  his  one  talent? 
A.  Hid  it  in  the  earth. 

Q.  Wliy  did  he  say  he  did  this  ? 
A.  Because  his  lord  was  a 
hard  man. 

Q.  What  did  the  lord  do  It 
him? 

A.  Called  him  a  wicked 
and  slothful  servant,  took 
away  his  talent,  and  ordered 
him  to  be  cast  into  outer  dark- 
ness. 'I 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


61 


Q.  When  the  Son  of  man  shall 
come  in  his  glory  with  his  an- 
gels, who  shall  be  gathered  be- 
fore him? 

A.  All  nations. 

Q.  What  will  he  do  with  them  ? 

A.  Separate  them,  as  a 
shepherd  divideth  his  sheep 
from  the  goats. 

Q.  Where  will  he  set  the 
sheep  ? 

A.  On  his  right  hand. 

Q.  Where  will  he  set  the 
goats? 

A.  On  the  left. 

Q.  What  will  the  King  say  to 
those  on  his  right  hand  ? 

A.  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my 
Father,  inherit  the  kingdom 
prepared  for  you  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world. 

Q.  "VMiy  does  he  thus  reward 
them? 

A.  For  I  -was  a-hungered, 
and  ye  gave  me  meat ;  I  was 
thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me 
drink  ;  I  was  a  stranger,  and 
ye  took  me  in ;  naked,  and 
ye  clothed  me ;  I  was  sick, 
and  ye  visited  me :  I  was  in 
prison,  and  ye  came  unto  me. 

Q.  What  will  the  righteous 
say? 

A.  They  will  ask  when 
they  did  these  things. 

Q.  What  will  the  King  an- 
swer ? 


A.  Yerily  I  say  unto  you. 
Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it 
unto  one  of  the  least  of  these 
my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it 
unto  me. 

Q.  What  will  he  say  to  those 
on  the  left  hand  ? 

A,  Depart  from  me,  ye 
cursed,  into  everlasting  fire, 
prepared  for  the  devil  and 
his  angels. 

Q.  What  reason  does  he  give 
for  this  ? 

A.  For  I  was  a-hungered, 
and  ye  gave  me  no  meat ;  I 
was  thirsty,  and  ye  gave  me 
no  drink ;  I  was  a  stranger, 
and  ye  took  me  not  in ;  naked, 
and  ye  clothed  me  not ;  sick, 
and  in  prison,  and  ye  visited 
me  not. 

Q.  What  will  they  say? 

A.  Lord,  when  saw  we 
thee  a-hungered,  or  athirst, 
or  a  stranger,  or  naked,  or 
sick,  or  in  prison,  and  did 
not  minister  unto  thee  ? 

Q.  What  will  he  answer  them  ? 

A.  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  not  to 
one  of  the  least  of  these,  ye 
did  it  not  to  me. 

Q.  What  will  be  their  fate? 

A.  These  shall  go  away 
into  everlasting  punishment ; 
but  the  righteous  into  life 
eternal. 


62 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


LESSON    XXXIV. 


Q.  Who  was  sick  at  Bethany  ? 

A.     Lazarus,    1)rother    of 

Martha  and  Mary.    John  xi. 

Q,  What  message  did  they 
send  to  Jesus? 

A.  Lord,  behold,  he  whom 
thou  lovest  is  sick. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  do? 

A.  Abode  two  days  still  in 
the  place  where  he  was. 

Q.  When  he  said  to  his  disci- 
ples, Let  us  go  into  Judea  again, 
what  did  they  say  ? 

A.  Master,  the  Jews  of  late 
sought  to  stone  thee,  and 
goest  thou  thither  again  ? 

Q.  When  he  said,  Our  friend 
Lazarus  sleepeth ;  I  go  that  I 
may  awake  him  out  of  sleep, 
what  did  they  think? 

A.  That  he  spoke  of  taking 
rest  in  sleep. 

Q.  Did  he  then  tell  them  that 
Lazarus  was  dead? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  When  he  determined  to  go, 
what  did  Thomas  say  ? 

A.  Let  us  also  go,  that  we 
may  die  with  him. 

Q.  Wlien  Jesus  came,  what 
did  he  find? 

A.  That  Lazarus  had  lain 
in  the  grave  f*;ur  days. 

Q.  How  far  was  Bethany  from 
Jerusalem  ? 

A.  About  fifteen  furlongs. 

Q.  Wlio  came  to  comfort 
Martha  and  Mary  ? 

A.  Many  of  the  Jews. 


Q.  What  did  Martha  say  ? 

A.  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  been 
here,  my  brother  had  not 
died, 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 
A.  Thy  brother  shall  rise 
again. 

Q.  When  Martha  said  she  knew 
he  would  rise  in  the  last  day,  what 
did  he  say  ? 

A.  I  am  the  resurrection 
and  the  life :  he  that  believeth 
in  me,  though  he  were  dead, 
yet  shall  he  live  ;  and  whoso- 
ever liveth  and  believeth  in 
me  shall  never  die.  BelieveSt 
thou  this  ? 

Q.  What  did  she  say  ? 

A.  Yea,  Lord ;  I  believe 
that  thou  art  the  Christ,  the 
Son  of  God,  which  should 
come  into  the  world. 

Q.  When  Martha  told  Mary 
that  Jesus  called  for  her,  what 
did  Mary  do  ? 

A.  Went  out  to  meet  hiifi. 

Q.  What  did  the  Jews  say  ? 

A.  She  goeth  unto  the  grave 
to  weep  there. 

Q.  What  did  Mary  do  ? 

A.  Fell  at  Christ's  feet, 
saying.  Lord,  if  thou  hadst 
been  here,  my  brother  had, 
not  died. 

Q.  When  Jesus  saw  them  weep- 
ing, what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Groaned  in  the  spirit, 
and  was  troubled. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


63 


Q.  When  he  asked,  Wliere  have 
ye  laid  him,  and  they  said.  Come 
and  see,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Jesus  wept. 

Q.  What  then  said  the  Jews  ? 

A.  Behold  how  he  loved 
him! 

Q.  What  did  some  say  ? 

A.  Could  not  this  man, 
which  opened  the  eyes  of  the 
blind,  have  caused  that  even 
this  man  should  not  have 
died? 

Q.  What  was  the  grave  ? 

A.  A  cave,  and  a  stone  lay 
upon  it. 

Q.  When  at  his  word  they  took 
away  the  stone,  and  he  had  ad- 
dressed his  Father,  what  did  he 
do? 

A.  Cried  with  a  loud  voice, 
Lazarus,  Come  forth. 

Q.  Did  he  come  forth? 

A.  Yes,  bound  with  grave- 
clothes. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  Loose  him,  and  let  him 
go- 

Q.  What  did  the  Jews  do  ? 

A.  Many  believed  on  him  ; 


but  some  told  the  Pharisees 
what  Jesus  had  done. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  ? 

A.  Gathered  a  council,  and 
said,  This  man  doeth  many 
miracles :  if  we  let  him  alone, 
all  men  will  believe  on  him. 

Q.  What  did  they  say  would 
be  the  result? 

A.  The  Romans  will  come, 
and  take  away  our  place  and 
nation. 

Q.  What  did  Caiaphasthe  high- 
priest  say  ? 

A.  It  is  expedient  for  us 
that  one  man  should  die  for 
the  people,  and  that  the 
whole  nation  perish  not. 

Q.  Did  he  intend  this  to  be  a 
prophecy  of  the  atoning  death 
of  Jesus? 

A.  No  ;  but  it  proved  so. 

Q.  When  Jesus  found  that 
they  took  counsel  to  kill  him, 
what  did  he  do? 

A.  Went  to  a  city  called 
Ephraim. 

Q.  Did  the  Jews  seek  for  him 
at  Jerusalem  before  the  pass- 
over? 

A.  They  did. 


LESSON    XXXV. 


Q.  Die  the  Jews  consult  to 
kill  Lazarus  as  well  as  Jesus? 

A.  Yes ;  because  by  reason 
of  him  many  believed  on 
Jesus.     John  xii.  10. 

Q.  What  did  certain  Greeks 


who   came   to  worship   at  tho 
feast  say  to  Philip  ? 

A.  Sir,  we  would  see  Jesus. 

Q.  When  Andrew  and  Philip 
told  Jesus,  what  did  Jesus  say  ? 
A.  The  hour  is  come,  that 


64 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


the  Son  of  man   should  be 
glorified. 

Q.  ^Miat  did  he  say  about  his 
death? 

A.  Except  a  com  of  wheat 
fall  into  the  ground  and  die, 
it  abideth  alone ;  but  if  it 
die,  it  briugeth  forth  much 
fruit. 

Q.  ^\^lat  did  he  say  about  him 
who  serves  him  ? 

A.  Where  I  am,  there  shall 
also  my  servant  be :  if  an}^ 
man  serve  me,  him  will  my 
Father  honor. 

Q.  When  he  prayed,  Father, 
glorify  thy  name,  what  hap- 
pened? 

A.  A  voice  from  heaven 
said,  I  have  both  glorified  it, 
and  will  glorify  it  again. 

Q.  What  did  the  people  say? 

A.  That  it  thundered : 
others  said.  An  angel  spake 
to  him. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  This  voice  came  not 
because  of  me,  but  for  your 
sakes. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  of  the 
prince  of  tliis  world? 

A.  He  shall  now  be  cast 
out. 

Q.  What  about  his  own  death? 

A.  And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up 
from  the  earth,  will  draw  all 
men  unto  me. 

Q.  When  they  said,  We  have 


heard  out  of  the  law  that  Christ 
abideth  for  ever,  and  wondered 
who  lie  meant  by  the  Son  of 
man  that  was  to  be  lifted  up, 
what  did  he  tell  them  ? 

A.  To  walk  in  the  light 
while  they  had  it. 

Q.  Wbat  prophecy  was  ful- 
filled by  their  unbelief? 

A.  Lord,  who  hath  bo- 
lieved  our  report?  and  to 
whom  hath  the  arm  of  the 
Lord  been  revealed?  Isa. 
liii.  1. 

Q.  Did  Isaiah  speak  of  their 
blindness? 

A.  Yes,  when  he  saw  the 
glory  of  Christ.     Isa.  vi. 

Q.  Did  any  of  the  chief  rulers 
believe  on  him? 

A.  Many ;  but  they  did. 
not  confess  him. 

Q.  Why  was  that? 

A.  Lest  the  Pharisees 
should  put  them  out  of  the 
synagogue. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  them  ? 

A.  They  loved  the  praise 
of  men  more  than  the  praise 
of  God. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  of  him 
who  rejected  him? 

A.  The  word  that  I  have 
spoken  shall  judge  him  in 
the  last  day. 

Q.  How  did  he  say  that  he 
spoke  ? 

A.  As  the  Father  com- 
manded him. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


G5 


LESSON   XXXVI. 


Q.  Wlo  consulted  together 
to  take  Jesus  by  subtlety  and 
kiUbim? 

A.  The  chief-  priests, 
scribes,  and  elders.  Matt. 
xxvi. :  Mark  xiv. :  Luke  xxii. 

Q.  Why  did  they  not  want  to 
do  it  on  the  feast-day? 

A.  Because  thej  feared 
the  people. 

Q.  When  Jesus  was  at  Beth- 
any, what  took  place? 

A.  They  made  him  a  sup- 
per.    John  xii, 

Q.  In  whose  house  ? 

A.  That  of  Simon  the 
leper. 

Q.  Who  served? 

A.  Martha. 

Q.  Who  sat  at  the  table  ? 

A.  Lazarus,  her  brother. 

Q.  What  did  his  sister  Mary  do? 

A.  Poured  a  pound  of  very- 
precious  ointment  on  the  feet 
of  Jesus,  and  wiped  them 
with  her  hair. 

Q.  What  did  Judas  Iscariot 
say? 

A.  "Why  was  not  this  oint- 
ment sold  for  three  hundred 
pence,  and  given  to  the  poor  ? 

Q.  DidJudas  care  for  the  poor? 

A.  No. 

Q.  Why  then  did  he  say  this  ? 

A.  Because  he  was  a  thief, 
and  had  the  bag  and  bare 
what  was  put  therein. 

Vol.  II.— 3 


Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  Let  her  alone:  she  hath 
done  what  she  could — she  is 
come  aforehand  to  anoint  my 
body  to  the  burying. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about  the 
poor? 

A.  Ye  have  the  poor  with 
you  always,  and  whensoever 
ye  will,  ye  may  do  them  good ; 
but  me  ye  have  not  always. 

Q.  Did  Jesus  say  that  Mary's 
act  should  be  spoken  of? 

A.  Yes,  for  a  memorial, 
wherever  the  gospel  is 
preached. 

Q.  What  did  Satan  then  tempt 
Judas  to  do? 

A.  To  betray  Jesus. 

Q.  What  did  Judas  do  ? 

A.  Covenanted  with  the 
chief-priests  and  captains  to 
deliver  him  to  them  for  thirty 
pieces  of  silver. 

Q.  "'kMien  Jesus  and  his  disci- 
ples were  celebrating  the  pass- 
over,  what  took  place  ? 

A.  There  was  a  strife 
among  them  which  should 
be  the  greatest. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  do? 
A.     Washed    their     feet. 
John  xiii. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  say? 
A.  Lord,  dost  thou  wash 
my  feet  ? 


06 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  Jesus  answer  ? 

A.  What  I  do  thou  know- 
est  not  now ;  but  thou  shalt 
know  hereafter. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  then  say? 
A.  Thou  shalt  never  wash 
mj  feet. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply? 

A.  If  I  wash  thee  not,  thou 
hast  no  part  with  me. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  say  to 
this? 

A.  Lord,  not  my  feet  only, 
but  also  my  hands  and  my 
head. 


Q.  After  Jesus  had  washed 
their  feet,  what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  I  have  given  you  an 
example,  that  ye  should  do 
as  I  have  done  to  you. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about  their 

ambitious  strife? 

A.  He  that  is  greatest 
among  you,  let  him  be  as  the 
younger ;  and  he  that  is  chief, 
as  he  that  doth  serve. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  he  would 
appoint  them? 

A.  A  kingdom,  so  that 
they  should  sit  on  twelve 
thrones,  judging  the  twelve 
tribes  of  Israel. 


LESSON    XXXVII. 


Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  his 
disciples  when  eating  with  them  ? 

A.  One  of  you  shall  be- 
tray me.  Matt.  xxvi.  20 : 
Mark  xiv.  18 :  Luke  xxii,  14 : 
John  xiii.  21. 

Q.  How  did  this  affect  them? 

A.  They  were  exceeding 
sorrowful,  and  said  one  by 
one,  Is  it  I? 

Q.  Whom  did  he  say  it  would 
be? 

A.  He  that  dippeth  his 
hand  with  me  in  the  dish. 

Q.  What  scripture  did  he  say 
would  be  thus  fulfilled? 

A.  He  that  eateth  bread 
with  me  hath  lifted  up  his 
heel  against  me.     Ps.  xli.  9. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about  him  ? 


A.  It  had  been  good  for  that 
man  if  he  had  not  been  born. 

Q.  When  the  disciple  who 
leaned  on  Jesus's  bosom  asked 
him,  Lord,  who  is  it?  what  did 

Jesus  say  ? 

A.  He  it  is  to  whom  I  shall 
give  a  sop. 

Q.  To  whom  did  he  give  it? 
A.  To  Judas  Iscariot. 

Q.  When  Judas  said,  Master, 
is  it  I  ?  what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Thou  hast  said. 

Q.  What  did  Judas  do? 

A.  Went  immediately  out. 

Q.  When  Jesus  told  the  disci- 
ples, Whither  I  go  ye  cannot 
come,  what  did  Peter  say? 

A.  Lord,  whither  goest 
thou  ? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


67 


Q.  Wiat  did  he  answer? 

A.  Whither  I  go,  thou 
canst  not  follow  me  now ;  but 
thou  shall  follow  me  here- 
after. 

Q.  When  Peter  said  he  would 
lay  down  his  life  for  Jesus,  what 
did  he  say  ? 

A.  The  cock  shall  not  crow 
twice  before  thou  shalt  deny 
me  thrice. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about  all 
of  them? 

A.  All  ye  shall  be  offended 
because  of  me  this  night. 

Q.  What  scripture  did  he  cite  ? 

A.  I  will  smite  the  shep- 
herd, and  the  sheep  shall 
be  scattered.     Zech.  xiii.  7. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  he  would 
do  after  he  was  risen  ? 

A.  I  will  go  before  you 
into  Galilee. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  Peter? 

A.  Simon,  Simon,  behold, 
Satan  hath  desired  to  have 
you,  that  he  may  sift  you  as 
wheat;  but  I  have  prayed 
for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail 
not ;  and  when  thou  art  con- 
verted,, strengthen  thy  bre- 
thren. 

Q.  What  scripture  did  he  say 
was  to  be  fulfilled? 


A.  And  he  was  reckoned 
among  the  transgressors. 
Isa.  liii.  12. 

Q.  What  new  commandment 
did  Jesus  give  his  disciples? 

A.  That  ye  love  one  ano- 
ther: as  I  have  loved  you, 
that  ye  also  love  one  an- 
otlier. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  all  men 
would  know  by  this? 

A.  That  ye  are  my  disci- 
ples. 

Q.  As  they  were  eating,  what 
did  Jesus  do? 

A.  Took  bread,  and  gave 
thanks,  and  brake  it,  and 
gave  unto  them,  saying,  This 
is  my  body  which  is  given 
for  you :  this  do  in  remem- 
brance of  me. 

Q.  What  else? 

A.  Likewise  also  the  cup 
after  supper,  saying.  This 
cup  is  the  new  testament  in 
my  blood,  which  is  shed  for 
you. 

Q.  What  did  he  further  say  ? 

A.  That  he  would  drink 
no  more  of  the  fruit  of  the 
vine  till  he  drank  it  with 
them  in  his  Father's  king- 
dom. 


LESSON    XXXVIII. 


Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  com- 
fort his  disciples  ? 

A.  Let  not  your  heart  be 


troubled :  ye  believe  in  God, 
believe    also   in  me.     John 


08 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  "UTiat  did  he  tell  them? 
A,  111  my  Father's  house 
are  many  mansions. 

Q.  Did  he  say  he  was  going  to 
prepare  a  place  for  them? 

A.  Yes,  and  would  come 
and  take  them  to  it. 

Q.  When  Thomas  said  they 
did  not  know  the  way,  what  did 
he  say  ? 

A.  I  am  the  way,  and  the 
truth,  and  the  life :  no  man 
Cometh  unto  the  Father,  but 
by  me. 

Q.  When  Pliilip  said,  Lord, 
show  ns  the  Father,  and  it  suf- 
ficeth  us,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  Have  I  been  so  long 
time  with  you,  and  yet  hast 
thou  not  known  me,  Philip  ? 
He  that  hath  seen  me  hath 
seen  the  Father. 

Q.  Did  he  say  that  he  who  be- 
lieved on  him  should  do  greater 
works  than  he  had  done  ? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  say? 

A.  Whatsoever  ye  shall 
ask  in  my  name,  that  will  I 
do. 

Q.  AMiat  charge  did  he  give 
them? 

A.  If  ye  love  me,  keep  my 
commandments. 

Q.  What  did  he  promise  ? 

A.  I  will  pray  the  Father, 
and  he  shall  give  you  another 
Comforter,  that  he  may  abide 
with  you  for  ever. 

Q.  Who  is  he  ? 

A.  The  Spirit  of  truth. 


Q.  What  did  Judas,  not  Isca 
riot,  say? 

A.  Lord,  how  is  it  that 
thou  wilt  manifest  thyself 
unto  us,  and  not  unto  the 
world  ? 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  answer? 

A.  If  a  man  love  me,  he 
will  keep  my  words  ;  and  my 
Father  will  love  him,  and  we 
will  come  unto  him,  and  make 
our  abode  with  him. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  of  the 
Comforter  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Ghost,  whom 
the  Father  will  send  in  my 
name,  he  shall  teach  you  all 
things,  and  bring  all  things 
to  your  remembrance,  what- 
soever I  have  said  unto  you.  , 

Q.  What  did  he  leave  with 
them? 

A.  His  peace. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  call  him- 
self? 

A.  The  true  vine.  John  xv. 
Q.  Who  is  the  husbandman? 
A.  His  Father. 

Q.  What  does  he  do  with  every 
fruitless  branch? 

A.  Taketh  it  away. 

Q.  What  with  the  fruitful  one  ? 

A.  Purgeth  it,  that  it  may 
bring  forth  more  fruit. 

Q.  What  must  the  disciples  do 
in  order  to  be  fruitful? 

A.  Abide  in  him,  as  the 
branches  in  the  vine. 

Q.  Are  they  branches  of  Christ 
the  vine  ? 

A.  They  arc. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


69 


Q.  K  a  man  abide  not  in  him, 
what  is  the  result  ? 

A.  He  is  burnt  as  a  fruit- 
less branch. 

Q.  How  does  he  tell  them  his 
Father  is  gloritied? 

A.  If  ye  bear  much  fruit ; 
feo  shall  ye  be  my  disciples. 

Q.  What  was  his  command- 
ment? 

A.  That  ye  love  one  an- 
other, as  I  have  loved  you. 


Q.  What  is  the  greatest  proof 
of  human  love  ? 

A.  That  a  man  lay  down 
his  life  for  his  friends. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  the  world 
would  do  to  them? 

A.  Persecute  them,  as  it 
had  persecuted  him. 

Q.  What  word  was  thus  ful- 
filled? 

A,  They  hated  me  without 
a  cause.     Ps.  Ixix.  4. 


LESSON    XXXIX. 


Q.  What  did  he  say  the  Com- 
forter would  do  when  he  came? 

A.  Reprove  the  world  of 
sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and 
of  judgment.     John  xvi. 

Q.  When  he  told  his  disciples 
that  he  came  from  the  Father 
into  the  world,  and  was  going 
from  the  world  to  the  Father, 
what  did  they  say  ? 

A.  Lo,  now  speakest  thou 
plainly — by  this  we  believe 
that  thou  camest  from  God. 

Q.  Why  did  he  say  he  spoke 
these  things  unto  them? 

A.  That  in  me  ye  might 
have  peace. 

Q.  What  would  they  have  in 
the  world  ? 

A.  Tribulation. 
Q.  How  did  he  comfort  them? 
A.    Be  of  good  cheer,   I 
have  overcome  the  world. 
Q.  What  did  Jesus  then  say? 


come:  glorify  thy  Son,  that 
thy  Son  also  may  glorify 
thee.     John  xvii. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  is  life 
eternal  ? 

A.  To  know  thee,  the  only 
ti'ue  God,  and  Jesus  Christ, 
whom  thou  hast  sent. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  he  had 
done? 

A.  I  have  glorified  thee  on 
the  earth :  I  have  finished 
the  work  which  thou  gavest 
me  to  do. 

Q.  With  what  glory  did  he 
pray  the  Father  to  glorify  him  ? 

A.  That  which  he  had  with 
the  Father  before  the  world 


Q.  What  did  he  say  he  had 
given  his  disciples? 

A.    The  words  which  the 
Father  had  giyen  him. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Did  they  receive  these 
words  ? 

A.  They  did,  and  believed 
on  him. 

Q.  Did  he  pray  for  them  ? 
A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about 
them? 

A.  That  he  had  kept  them 
all,  except  une. 

Q.  Who  was  he  ? 

A.  The  son  of  perdition — 
Judas  Iscariot. 

Q.  Did  he  pray  that  they 
should  be  taken  out  of  the 
world  ? 

A.  No  ;  but  kept  from  the 
evil  that  is  in  the  vs^orld. 

Q.  Did  he  pray  that  they  might 
be  sanctified  for  their  work  as 
apostles? 


A.  He  did. 

Q.  For  whom  else  did  he  pray? 

A.  Those  who  should  be- 
lieve on  him  through  their 
word. 

Q.  Did  he  pray  for  their  unity  ? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  Why  did  he  want  them  to 
be  one? 

A.  That  the  world  might 
believe  that  the  Father  had 
sent  him. 

Q.  Did  he  pray  that  they  might 
be  with  him  to  behold  his  glory  ? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  Did  he  say  the  world  had 
not  known  the  Father  ? 

A.  Yes,  but  that  he  knew 
him,  and  had  made  him 
known  to  his  disciples. 


LESSON   XL. 


Q.  After  his  prayer,  whither 
did  Jesus  go  ? 

A.  To  the  Mount  of  Olives. 
Matt.  xxvi.  36 :  Mark  xiv.  26 : 
Luke  xxii.  39 ;  John  xviii. 

Q.  When  he  came  to  Gethse- 
mane,  what  did  he  say  to  his 
disciples  ? 

A.  Sit  ye  here,  while  I  shall 
go  and  pray  yonder. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  take  with 
him? 

A.  Peter,  James,  and  John. 
Q.  How  was  he  affected? 
A.  Sore  amazed,  and  very 
heavy. 


Q.  What  did  he  say? 
A.    My  soul  is  exceeding 
sorrowful,  even  unto  death. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do? 

A.  Went  a  little  farther, 
and  fell  on  his  face,  and 
prayed. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  0  my  I^^her,  if  it  be 
possible,  let  this  cup  pass 
from  me ;  nevertheless,  not 
as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt. 

Q.  When  he  came  to  the  dis- 
ciples, what  were  they  doing  ? 

A.  Sleeping  for  sorrow. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


71 


Q.  WTiat  did  he  say  to  them? 

A.  Why  sleep  ye?  rise 
and  pray,  lest  ye  enter  into 
temptation. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  excuse 
them? 

A.  The  spirit  indeed  is 
willing,  but  the  flesh  is  weak. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do? 

A.  Went  away  and  offered 
the  same  prayer. 

Q.  When  he  came  to  them 
again,  how  did  he  find  them  ? 

A.  Asleep  again,  for  their 
eyes  were  heavy. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  Went  away  again  and 
prayed  as  before. 

Q.  How  was  he  affected  ? 

A.  He  was  in  an  agony, 
and  his  sweat  was  as  it  were 
great  drops  of  blood  falling 
to  the  ground. 

Q.  Who  appeared  to  him? 

A.  An  angel  from  heaven 
strengthening  him. 

Q.  When  he  came  the  third 
time  to  his  disciples,  what  did 
he  say? 

A.  Rise  up,  let  us  go :  lo, 

he  that  betrayeth  me  is  at 
hand. 

Q.  Who  then  came  to  him  ? 

A.  Judas,  with  a  band  of 
men  from  the  chief-priests 
and  elders. 

Q.  What  had  they? 

A.  Lanterns,  and  torches, 
and  weapons. 

Q.  By  what  sign  had  Judas 
Baid  he  would  betray  Jesus? 


A.  By  a  kiss. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  when  he 
came  to  him  ? 

A.  He  said,  Hail,  Master, 
and  kissed  him. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 
A.  Judas,  betrayest  thou 
the  Son  of  man  with  a  kiss  ? 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  the 
multitude  ? 

A.  Whom  seek  ye  ? 
Q.  What  did  they  answer  ? 
A.  Jesus  of  Nazareth. 
Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 
A.  I  am  he. 
Q.  What  did  they  then  do  ? 
A.    Went   backward,   and 
fell  to  the  ground. 

Q.  After  repeating  the  ques- 
tion and  receiving  the  same  an- 
swer, what  did  he  say? 

A.  Let  these  go  their 
way. 

Q.  Wliy  did  he  say  this  ? 

A.  That  the  saying  might 
be  fulfilled,  Of  them  which 
thou  gavest  me  have  I  lost 
none. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  then  do  ? 

A.  Cut  off  the  right  ear  of 
the  high-priest's  servant. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  do? 

A.  Touched  the  ear  and 
healed  it. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  Peter  ? 

A.  Put  up  thy  sword  into 
the  sheath :  the  cup  which 
my  Father  hath  given  me, 
shall  I  not  drink  it  ? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Wliat  did  he  say  his  Father 
would  send  him  if  he  asked  him 
to  do  so  ? 

A.  Twelve  legions  of  an- 
gels. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  the 
multitudes  ? 

A.  Are  ye  come  out  as 
against  a  thief,  with  swords 
and  staves  for  to  take  me  ? 


Q.  What  did  he  tell  them? 

A.  I  sat  daily  with  you 
teaching  in  the  temple,  and 
ye  laid  no  hold  on  me ;  but 
this  is  your  hour,  and  the 
power  of  darkness. 

Q.  What  did  the  disciples 
then  do  ? 

A.  They  all  forsook  him 
and  fled. 


LESSON   XLI. 


Q.  What  did  the  Jews  then  do? 

A.  Bound  Jesus  and  led 
him  to  the  high -priest's 
house.  Matt.  xxvi.  57 : 
Mark  xiv.  53 :  Luke  xxii. 
54 :  John  xviii.  12. 

Q.  Who  followed  afar  off? 

A.  Peter  and  another  dis- 
ciple. 

Q.  WTien  they  came  to  the 
high -priest's  house,  what  did 
they  do  ? 

A.  Peter  stood  without, 
but  the  other  disciple,  who 
was  known  to  the  high-priest, 
went  in  with  Jesus. 

Q.  Did  Peter  afterward  go  into 
the  court? 

A.  Yes,  the  other  disciple 
took  him  in. 

Q.  While  they  were  warming 
themselves,  what  happened? 

A.  The  maid  that  kept  the 
door  said  to  Peter,  Thou  also 
,  wast  with  Jesus  of  Galilee. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  I  know  him  not. 


Q.  What  then  took  place? 
A,  He  went  out  into  the 
porch,  and  the  cock  crew. 

Q.  When  another  maid  and  a 
man  said,  This  is  one  of  them, 
what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Denied  with  an  oath,  I 
do  not  know  the  man. 

Q.  What  did  others  say  to 
him  an  hour  after  ? 

A.  Surely  thou  art  one  of 
them ;  for  thy  speech  be- 
wrayeth  thee. 

Q.  What  said  one  of  the  ser- 
vants of  the  high-priest,  being 
his  kinsman,  whose  ear  Peter 
cut  off? 

A.  Did  not  I  see  thee  in 
the  garden  with  him  ? 

Q.  What  did  Peter  then  sayf 

A.  He  began  to  curse  and 
to  swear,  saying,  I  know  not 
the  man. 

Q.  What  then  happened? 

A.  The  second  time  the 
cock  crew. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  do? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


73 


A.  The  Lord  turned  and 
looked  on  Peter. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  do  ? 

A.  Kemembered  the  word 
of  Jesus,  Before  the  cock 
crow  twice,  thou  shalt  deny 
me  thrice. 

Q.  How  was  he  affected? 

A.  lie  went  out  and  wept 
bitterly. 

Q.  When  Jesus  was  brought 
before  the  couucil,  what  did  they 
do? 

A.  Sought  false  witness 
against  him  to  put  him  to 
death. 

Q.  Did  the  false  witnesses 
agree? 

A.  They  did  not. 

Q.  When  they  asked  him  if  he 
was  the  Christ,  what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Hereafter  shall  ye  see 
the  Son  of  man  sitting  on  the 


right  hand  of  power,  and 
coming  in  the  clouds  of 
heaven. 

Q.  What  did  the  high-priest 
then  say  ? 

A.  I  adjure  thee  by  the 
living  God,  that  thou  tell  us 
whether  thou  be  the  Christ, 
the  Son  of  God. 

Q.  Did  Jesus  then  say  that  he 
was  the  Christ  ? 

A.  He  did. 

Q.  What  did  the  high-priest 
then  do  ? 

A.  Rent  his  clothes,  say- 
ing. He  hath  spoken  blas- 
phemy: what  further  need 
have  we  of  witnesses  ? 

Q.  "What  did  they  all  say  ? 

A.  He  is  guilty  of  death. 

Q.  What  did  they  then  do  ? 

A.  Mocked  him,  spit  in 
his  face,  and  buffeted  him. 


LESSON    XLII. 


Q.  What  did  the  Jews  next 
do  to  Jesus? 

A.  Delivered  him  to  Pon- 
tius Pilate.  Matt,  xxvii. : 
Mark  xv. :  Luke  xxiii. :  John 


Q.  What  did  Judas  do  when 
he  found  that  Jesus  was  con- 
demned? 

A.  Took  the  thirty  pieces 
of  silver  to  the  chief-priests 
and  elders,  saying,  I  have 
sinned  in  that  I  have  betray- 
ed the  innocent  blood. 


Q.  What  did  they  say? 

A.  What  is  that  to  us? 
see  thou  to  that. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  Cast  down  the  money 
in  the  temple,  and  went  and 
hanged  himself 

Q.  What  use  did  the  chief- 
priests  make  of  the  money? 

A.  Bought  with  it  the  pot- 
ter's field  to  bury  strangers  in. 

Q.  What  was  that  field  called  ? 

A.  The  field  of  blood. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  \^Tiat  did  Pilate  tell  the 
Jews  to  do? 

A.  Judge  Jesus  according 
to  their  law. 

Q.  What  did  they  say  ? 

A.  It  is  not  lawful  for  us 
to  put  any  man  to  death. 

Q.  When  they  accused  him  of 
treason,  and  Pilate  asked  him  if 
he  was  a  king,  what  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Mj  kingdom  is  not  of 
this  world. 

Q.  WhenPilatesaid,  Artthoua 
king  then  ?  what  did  Jesus  reply  ? 

A.  Thou  say  est  that  I  am 
a  king.  To  this  end  was  I 
born,  and  for  this  cause  came 
I  into  the  world,  that  I  should 
bear  witness  unto  the  truth : 
every  one  that  is  of  the  truth 
heareth  my  voice. 

Q.  What  did  Pilate  say  to  this  ? 

A.  What  is  truth  ? 

Q.  When  he  said  this,  what 
did  he  tell  the  Jews  ? 

A.  I  find  in  him  no  fault 
at  all. 

Q.  WTien  Jesus  refused  to  an- 
swer the  charges  of  the  chief- 
priests,  how  was  Pilate  affected? 

A.  He  marvelled  greatly. 

Q.  Wlien  he  heard  that  Jesus 
was  of  Galilee,  which  was  in 
Herod's  jurisdiction,  what  did 
he  do? 

A.  Sent  him  to  Ilerod,  who 
was  then  at  Jerusalem. 

Q.  Was  Herod  glad  to  see 
him? 

A.  He  was,  because  he 
wanted  to  see  him  work  a 
miracle. 


Q.  When  Jesus  refused  to  gra- 
tify him,  what  did  he  and  his 
men  of  war  do  to  him  ? 

A.  Set  him  at  naught,  and 
mocked  him,  and  then  sent 
him  back  to  Pilate. 

Q.  When  then  occurred? 

A.  Pilate  and  Ilerod,  who 
had  been  enemies,  became 
friends. 

Q.  WTiat  did  Pilate  then  tell 
the  Jews  ? 

A.  That  neither  he  nor 
Herod  found  any  fault  in 
Jesus,  and  that  he  would 
chastise  him  and  release  him. 

Q.  Was  it  customary  for  the 
governor  to  release  a  prisoner 
at  the  feast  of  the  passover? 

A.  It  was. 

Q.  What  did  Pilate  ask  the 
multitude  ? 

A,  Will  ye  that  I  release 
unto  you  the  king  of  the 
Jews  ? 

Q.  What  did  they  say? 

A.  Not  this  man,  but  Ba- 
rabbas. 

Q.  Who  was  Barabbas  ? 

A.  A  robber. 

Q.  What  message  did  Pilate's 
wife  send  him  ? 

A.  Have  thou  nothing  to 
do  with  that  just  man ;  for 
I  have  sufi'ered  many  things 
this  day  in  a  dream,  because 
of  him. 

Q.  When  he  wanted  to  release 
him,  what  did  the  Jews  cry  out? 

A.  Crucify  him,  crucify 
him. 

Q.  When  he  made  a  third  effort 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


/O 


to  release  liim,  believing   him 
innocent,  what  did  they  say? 

A.  They  cried  out  the  more 
exceedingly,  Let  him  be  cru- 
cified. 

Q.  When  Pilate  saw  that  he 
could  prevail  nothing,  what  did 
he  do? 


A.  Washed  his  hands,  say-      1 
ing,   I  am   innocent  of  the       ^ 
blood  of  this  just  person:  see 
ye  to  it. 

Q.   What  did  all  the  people 
answer  ? 

A.  His  blood  be  on  us  and 
on  our  children. 


LESSON    XLIII. 


Q.  What  did  Pilate  then  do  ? 

A,  Released  Barabbas,  and 
delivered  Jesus,  when  he  had 
scourged  him,  to  be  crucified. 
Matt,  xxvii.  2G :  Mark  xv.  15 : 
Luke  xxiii.  24 :  John  xix. 

Q.  What  did  the  soldiers  then 
do? 

A.  Clothed  him  with  pur- 
ple, and  platted  a  crown  of 
thorns  and  put  it  about  his 
head,  and  put  a  reed  in  his 
right  hand,  and  salated  him, 
Hail,  King  of  the  Jews  ! 

Q.  What  then  did  they  do  to 
him? 

A.  Spit  upon  him,  and 
smote  him. 

Q.  When  Pilate  saw  Jesus  with 
the  crown  of  thorns,  what  did 
he  say? 

A.  Behold  the  man ! 

Q.  When  they  cried  out,  Cru- 
cify him,  crucify  him,  what  did 
he  reply? 

A,  Take  ye  him  and  cru- 
cify him,  for  I  find  no  fault 
in  him. 

Q.  What  did  they  answer  ? 


A.  We  have  a  law,  and  by 
our  law  he  ought  to  die,  be- 
cause he  made  himself  the 
Son  of  God. 

Q.  How  did  this  affect  Pilate  ? 

A.  He  was  the  more  afraid, 
and  said  to  Jesus,  Whence 
art  thou  ?  | 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  answer?  ■* 

A.  Nothing. 

Q.  What  did  Pilate  say? 

A.  Speakest  thou  not  unto 
me  ?  knowest  thou  not  that  I 
have  power  to  crucify  thee, 
and  power  to  release  thee  ? 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply? 

A.  Thou  couldst  have  no 
power  against  me,  except  it 
were  given  thee  from  above : 
therefore  he  that  delivered 
me  unto  thee  hath  the  greater 
sin. 

Q.  When  Pilate  again  tried  to 
release  him,  what  did  the  Jews 
exclaim? 

A.  If  thou  let  this  man  go, 
thou  art  not  Caesar's  friend : 
whosoever  maketh  himself  a 


76 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


king  speaketh  against  Cae- 
sar. 

Q.  What  did  Pilate  then  do  ? 

A.  Brought  forth  Jesus, 
and  said,  Behold  your  King ! 

Q.  What  did  they  say? 
A.  Away  with  him,  away 
with  him,  crucify  him. 

Q.  What  did  Pilate  reply? 

A.  Shall  I  crucify  your 
King? 

Q.  What  did  they  answer? 

A.  We  have  no  king  but 
Cflesar. 

Q.  What  did  Pilate  then  do? 

A.  Delivered  him  to  be 
crucified. 

Q.  What  did  the  Jews  then  do 
with  Jesus  ? 

A.  Led  him  away  to  be 
crucified. 

Q.  Whom  did  they  force  to 
help  him  bear  his  cross? 

A.  Simon  a  Cyrenian, 
father  of  Alexander  and  Ru- 
fus. 

Q.  When  a  great  company 
followed  him,  and  the  women 
lamented  him,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  Daughters  of  Jerusa- 
lem, weep  not  for  me,  but 
weep  for  yourselves,  and  for 
your  children. 

Q.  Why  did  he  say  this? 

A.  Because  of  the  woes 
which  were  to  come  upon 
them. 

Q.  Where  did  they  crucil'y 
him  ? 

A.  At  Calvary  or  Golgo- 


tha, which  means,  The  place 
of  a  skull. 

Q.  ^Vllen  they  offered  him 
wine  mingled  with  myrrh,  would 
he  drink  it? 

A.  He  would  not. 

Q.  Who  were  crucified  with 
him? 

A.  Two  thieves. 

Q.  What  prophecy  was  thus 
fuimied? 

A.  And  he  was  numbered 
with  the  transgressors.  Isa. 
liii.  12. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say  ? 

A.  Father,  forgive  them ; 
for  they  know  not  what  they 
do: 

Q.  What  title  did  Pilate  put 
over  his  head? 

A,  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the 
King  of  the  Jews. 

Q.  In  what  languages  did  he 
write  it? 

A.  Hebrew,  Greek,  and 
Latin. 

Q.  What  did  the  chief-priests 
say? 

A.  Write  not,  The  King 
of  the  Jews ;  but  that  he 
said,  I  am  King  of  the  Jews. 

Q.  What  did  Pilate  answer? 
A.  What  I  have  written,  I 
have  written. 

Q.  What  did  the  soldiers  do 
with  his  garments  ? 

A.  Parted  all,  except  the 
coat,  for  which  they  cast  lots. 

Q.   What  scripture  was  thus 
fullilled  ? 
A.  They  parted  my  rai- 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


77 


ment  among  tliem,  and  for 
mj  vesture  they  did  cast  lots. 
Ps.  xxii.  18. 

Q.  "NMiat  did  the  passers-by- 
do? 

A.  Reviled  him,  wagging 
their  heads,  saying,  Thou 
that  destroyest  the  temple, 
and  buildest  it  in  three  days, 
save  thyself:  if  thou  be  the 
Son  of  God,  come  down  from 
the  cross. 

Q.  What  did  the  rulers  say? 

A.  He  saved  others ;  him- 
self he  cannot  save :  if  he  be 
the  King  of  Israel,  let  him 
now  come  down  from  the 
cross,  and  we  will  believe 
him.  He  trusted  in  God ; 
let  him  deliver  him  now  if 
he  will  have  him. 

Q.  What  did  the  soldiers  do? 


A.  INIocked  him,  offering 
him  vinegar,  saying,  If  thou 
be  the  King  of  the  Jews,  save 
thyself. 

Q.  What  did  one  of  the  thieves 
say? 

A.  If  thou  be  Christ,  save 
thyself  and  us. 

Q.  What  did  the  other  say? 

A.  Dost  not  thou  fear  God, 
seeing  thou  art  in  the  same 
condemnation  ?  and  we  in- 
deed justly  —  but  this  man 
hath  done  nothing  amiss. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  Jesus  ? 

A.  Lord,  remember  me 
when  thou  comest  into  thy 
kingdom. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply  ? 

A.  Verily,  I  say  unto  thee, 
To-day  shalt  thou  be  with  me 
in  paradise. 


LESSON   XLIV. 


Q.  Who  stood  by  the  cross  of 
Jesus? 

A.  His  mother,  and  her 
sister  Mary,  wife  of  Cleophas, 
and  Mary  Magdalene.  Matt. 
xxvii.  45 :  Mark  xv.  33 : 
Luke  xxiii.  44 :  Johnxix.  25. 

Q.  When  Jesus  saw  his  mother 
and  John  standing  by,  what  did 
he  say  to  his  mother  ? 

A.  Woman,  behold  thy 
Bon! 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  John? 
A.  Behold  thy  mother ! 


Q.  What  did  John  do  ? 
A.  Took  her  unto  his  own 
home. 

Q.  "WTiat  other  women  stood 
afar  off? 

A.  Those  who  ministered 
to  him  in  Galilee. 

Q.  What  was  there  from  the 
sixth  to  the  ninth  hour  ? 

A.  Darkness  over  all  the 
land. 

Q.    What    happened    at    the 
ninth  hour  ? 

A.  Jesus  cried  witli  a  loud 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


voice,  Eli,  Eli,  lama  sabacli- 
thani?  that  is  to  say.  My 
God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou 
forsaken  me  ? 

Q.  What  did  some  say? 

A.  This  man  calleth  for 
Elias. 

Q.  When  Jesus  said,  I  thirst, 
and  one  ran  to  bring  him  vine- 
gar, what  did  the  rest  say  ? 

A.  Let  be:  let  us  see 
whether  Elias  will  come  to 
save  him. 

Q.  When  they  filled  a  sponge 
with  vinegar,  and  put  it  on  a 
hyssop  stalk,  and  held  it  to  his 
mouth,  did  he  receive  it? 

A.  Yes,  according  to  the 
Scripture.     Ps.  Ixix.  21. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  It  is  finished. — Father, 
into  thy  hands  I  commend 
my  spirit. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  Bowed  his  head,  and 
gave  up  the  ghost. 

Q.  What  then  occurred? 

A.  The  veil  of  the  temple 
was  rent  in  twain,  the  earth 
did  quake,  the  rocks  rent, 
and  the  graves  were  opened. 

Q.  What  did  the  centurion 
Bay? 

A.  Certainly  this  was  a 
righteous  man. 

Q.  What  did  the  people  say? 

A.  Truly  this  was  the  Son 
of  God. 

Q.  As  it  was  the  preparation 
for  the  passover  Sabbath,  what 
did  the  Jews  do,  that  the  bodies 
might  not  remain  on  the  cross  ? 


A.  Asked  Pilate  to  break 
their  legs,  to  hasten  their 
death  and  removal. 

Q.  After  the  soldiers  had 
broken  the  legs  of  the  thieves, 
what  did  they  do? 

A.  Came  to  Jesus,  and 
seeing  he  was  dead,  broke 
not  his  legs. 

Q.  WTiat  did  one  of  them  do? 
A.  Pierced  his  side  with  a 
spear. 

Q.  What  came  out  of  the 
wound? 

A.  Blood  and  water. 
Q.  Who  saw  this? 
A.  John,  who  bore  witness 
of  it. 

Q.  What  scripture  was  thus 
fulfilled? 

A.  A  bone  of  him  shall 
not  be  broken.     Ex.  xii.  4G. 

Q.  What  other? 

A.  They  shall  look  on  hini 
whom  they  pierced.  Zech. 
xii.  10. 

Q.  Who  went  boldly  to  Pilate 
and  begged  the  body  of  Jesus? 

A.  Joseph  of  Arimathea, 
a  rich  man,  and  a  member 
of  the  Sanhedrim. 

Q.  Had  he  consented  to  the 
death  of  Christ? 

A.  No:  he  was  his  disci- 
ple, but  secretly,  for  fear  of 
the  Jews. 

Q.  Did  Pilate  give  him  the 
body? 

A.  Yes,  after  he  had 
learned  from  the  centurion 
that  Jesus  was  dead. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Who  came  -with  Joseph  ? 
A.  Nicodemus,  who  at  the 
first  came  to  Jesus  by  night. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  with  the 
body? 

A.  Wrapped  it  in  fine 
linen,  with  a  hundred  pounds 
of  myrrh  and  aloes. 

Q.  Did  the  Jews  thus  prepare 
bodies  for  burial? 

A.  They  did. 

Q.  What  was  in  the  place  of 
cruciflxion? 

A.  A  garden. 

Q.  What  was  in  it? 

A.  A  sepulchre,  which  Jo- 
seph had  hewn  out  of  the 
rock. 

Q.  Had  any  man  lain  in  it  ? 

A.  No. 

Q.  Why  did  they  put  Jesus 
in  it? 

A.  Because  it  was  conve- 
nient, and  the  Sabbath  was 
about  to  begin. 

Q.  Who  saw  his  burial  ? 


A.  The  women  who  saw 
him  die, 

Q.  What  did  they  then  do? 

A.  Prepared  spices  and 
ointments,  and  rested  the 
Sabbath-day. 

Q.  What  did  the  chief-priests 
and  Pharisees  say  to  Pilate  ? 

A.  Sir,  we  remember  tha\ 
that  deceiver  said.  After  three 
days  I  will  rise  again. 

Q.  What  did  they  ask  him  to 
do? 

A.  Make  the  sepulchre 
sure  until  the  third  day,  lest 
his  disciples  steal  him,  and 
say,  He  is  risen  from  the 
dead. 

Q.  What  did  Pilate  say? 

A.  Ye  have  a  watch:  go 
your  way,  make  it  as  sure  as 
you  can. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  ? 

A.  Made  it  sure,  sealing 
the  stone,  and  setting  a 
watch. 


LESSON    XLV 


Q.  What  happened  early  on 
the  first  day  of  the  week? 

A.  There  was  a  great  earth- 
quake. Matt,  xxviii. :  Mark 
xvi. :  Luke  xxiv. :  John  xx. 

Q.  What  accompanied  it? 

A.  An  angel  rolled  back 
the  stone  from  the  sepulchre, 
and  sat  on  it. 

Q.  How  did  he  look? 


A.  His  countenance  was 
like  lightning,  and  his  rai- 
ment white  as  snow. 

Q.  How  were  the  watct 
affected  ? 

A.  They  shook  with  fear, 
and  became  as  dead  men. 

Q.    Who  then    came    to   the 
tomb? 
A.   Mary  Magdalene,  the 


80 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


other  Mary,  and  certain  other 
women. 

Q.  What  did  they  bring? 

A.  Spices  for  the  body. 

Q.  What  did  they  say? 

A.  Who  shall  roll  away 
the  stone?  for  it  was  very 
great. 

Q.  When  they  found  tliat  it 
was  rolled  away,  what  did  Mary 
Magdalene  do? 

A.  Ran  and  told  Peter  and 
John  that  the  body  was  gone. 

Q.  What  did  the  others  do  ? 

A.  Entered  the  tomb,  and 
found  not  the  body. 

Q.  What  did  they  see  ? 

A.  Two  angels,  looking 
like  men,  in  long  shining 
garments. 

Q.  What  did  the  angels  say  ? 

A.  Fear  not :  ye  seek  Jesus 
of  Nazareth,  which  was  cru- 
cified. He  is  not  here,  but 
is  risen,  as  he  said. 

Q.    Did   they  remember   his 
words? 
A.  They  did. 

Q.  What  did  the  angels  tell 
them  to  do? 

A.  Go  quickly  and  tell  his 
disciples,  and  Peter,  that  he 
is  risen,  and  goeth  before  you 
into  Galilee,  as  he  said. 

Q,  How  were  the  women 
affected? 

A.  They  fled  from  the 
sepulchre,  with  fear  and 
great  joy. 

Q.  As  they  were  going  to  tell 
the  disciples,  who  met  them? 


A.  Jesus,  saying.  All  hail ! 

Q.  As  they  held  him  by  the 
feet  and  worshipped  him,  what 
did  he  say? 

A.  Be  not  afraid:  go  tell 
my  brethren  that  they  go 
into  Galilee,  and  there  shall 
they  see  me. 

Q.  When  they  told  the  eleven 
and  the  rest,  did  they  believe 
them  ? 

A.  No:  their  words  seemed 
as  idle  talcs. 

Q.  ^Tiat  did  the  watch  do? 

A.  Told  the  chief-priests 
what  had  happened. 

Q.  What  did  the  priests  and 
elders  do? 

A.  Gave  large  money  to 
the  soldiers,  saying,  Sayye, 
His  disciples  came  by  night 
and  stole  him  away  while  wo 
slept. 

Q.  What  did  the  soldiers  do? 

A.  Took  tlie  money  and 
did  as  they  were  taught. 

Q.  Did  the  Jews  commonly 
repeat  this  saying? 

A.  They  did. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  and  John 
do? 

A.  Ran  to  the  tomb,  John 
reaching  it  first. 

Q.  What  did  John  do  ? 

A.  Looked  in,  and  saw  the 
linen  clothes  lying. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  do? 

A.  Went  in,  and  saw  the 
linen  clothes,  and  the  napkin 
wrapped  up  by  itself. 

Q.  What  did  John  then  do  ? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


81 


A.  Went  in,  saw,  and  be- 
lieved. 

Q.  Did  they  not  yet  know  tlie 
Scripture,  that  he  was  to  rise 
from  the  dead? 

A.  They  did  not. 

Q.  When  they  were  gone, 
what  did  Mary  do  ? 

A.  Stood  without,  weeping. 

Q.  What  did  she  see  when  she 
looked  in? 

A.  Two  angels  in  white, 
sitting  the  one  at  the  head, 
the  other  at  the  feet,  where 
the  body  of  Jesus  had  lain. 

Q.  What  did  they  say  to  her? 

A.  Woman,  why  weepest 
thou? 

Q.  What  did  she  say? 

A.  Because  they  have 
taken  away  my  Lord,  and  I 
know  not  where  they  have 
lain  him. 

Q.    When   she    turned  back, 
whom  did  she  see  ? 
A.  Jesus,  standino;. 


Q.  What  did  he  say? 
A.   Woman,  why  weepest 
thou  ?  whom  seekest  thou  ? 

Q.  Whom  did  she  take  him  to 
be? 

A.  The  gardener. 

Q.  What  did  she  say? 

A.  Sir,  if  thou  have  borne 
him  hence,  tell  me  where 
thou  hast  laid  him,  and  I 
will  take  him  away. 

Q.  When  he  said  to  her,  Mary, 
what  did  she  do? 

A.  Turned  and  said,  Rab- 
boni,  which  is  to  say,  Master. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  her? 

A.  Touch  me  not ;  for  I 
am  not  yet  ascended  to  my 
Father ;  but  go  to  my  bre- 
thren, and  say  unto  them,  I 
ascend  unto  my  Father,  and 
your  Father  ;  and  to  my  God, 
and  your  God. 

Q.  When  she  went  and  told 
them,  did  they  believe  her? 

A.  They  did  not. 


LESSON    XLVI. 


Q.  When  two  of  the  disciples 
were  going  to  Emmaus,  sixty 
lurlongs  from  Jerusalem,  who 
drew  near  to  them? 

A.  Jesus,  but  they  did  not 
know  him.  Mark  xvi.  12: 
Luke  xxiv.  13. 

Q.  What  did  he  ask  them? 

A.  What  they  were  talk- 
ing about,  and  why  they  were 
Bo  sad. 


Q.  What  did  one  of  them, 
Cleopas,  answer? 

A.  Art  thou  only  a  stran- 
ger in  Jerusalem,  and  hast 
not  known  the  things  which 
are  come  to  pass  in  these 
days  ? 

Q.  When  Jesus  asked,  What 
things?  what  did  they  say? 

A.  Concerning  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  which  was  a  pro- 


8: 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


pliet,  mighty  in  deed  and 
word  before  God  and  all  the 
people. 

Q.  What  else  did  they  say? 

A.  That  they  trusted  it 
had  been  he  that  should  have 
redeemed  Israel;  and  that 
they  were  astonished  at  the 
report  of  the  women  concern- 
ing his  resurrection. 

Q.  What  did  he  reply? 

A.  0  fools,  and  slow  of 
heart  to  believe  all  that  the 
prophets  have  spoken :  ought 
not  Christ  to  have  sufiered 
these  things,  and  to  enter  into 
his  glory  ? 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do? 

A.  Expounded  to  them  all 
the  scriptures  which  refer  to 
himself. 

Q.  When  they  drew  nigh  to 
the  village,  and  tliey  urged  him 
to  stay,  as  it  was  toward  eve- 
ning, what  did  he  do? 

A.  Went  in  with  them. 

Q.  When  they  went  to  sapper, 
what  did  he  do? 

A.  Took  bread  and  blessed 
it,  and  brake,  and  gave  to 
them. 

Q.  Did  they  then  know  him? 

A.  Yes,  and  he  instantly 
retired. 

Q.  What  did  they  say  to  one 
another  ? 

A.  Did  not  our  hnart  1)urn 
within  us,  while  he  talked 
with  us  by  the  way,  and  while 
he  opened  to  us  the  Scriptures  ? 

Q.  What  did  they  then  do  ? 


A.  Returned  the  same  hour 
to  Jerusalem,  and  told  the 
disciples  what  had  happened. 

Q.  Did  they  believe  them? 

A.  No ;  though  some  that 
were  with  them  said,  The 
Lord  is  risen  indeed,  and 
hath  appeared  to  Simon. 

Q.  Where  were  they  met? 

A.  In  a  closed  room,  for 
fear  of  the  Jews.  John  xx. 
10. 

Q.  Who  came  and  stood  in 
the  midst? 

A.  Jesus,  saying,  Peace 
be  unto  you. 

Q.  How  were  they  affected? 

A.  Terrified,  thinking  he 
was  a  spirit. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Why  are  ye  troubled  ? 
and  why  do  thoughts  arise  in 
your  hearts  ? 

Q.  Wluit  did  he  tell  them  to 
do? 

A.  Beliold  my  hands  and 
my  feet,  that  it  is  I  myself: 
liandle  nie,  and  see ;  for  a 
spirit  hath  not  flesh  and 
bones,  as  ye  see  me  have. 

Q.  When  he  showed  them  his 
hands,  feet,  and  side,  how  were 
they  affected? 

A.  They  believed  not  for 
joy,  and  wondered. 

Q.  When  he  said,  Have  ye 
here  any  meat?  what  did  they 
do? 

A.  Gave  him  a  piece  of  a 
broiled  fish,  and  of  a  honey- 
comb. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


83 


Q.  Did  he  take  it? 

A.  Yes,  and  ate  before 
them. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  say? 

A.  These  are  the  words 
which  I  spake  unto  you, 
while  I  was  yet  with  you, 
tliat  all  things  must  be  ful- 
filled which  were  written  in 
the  law  of  Moses,  and  in  the 
prophets,  and  in  the  psalms, 
concerning  me. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  Opened  their  under- 
standing, that  they  might 
understand  the  Scriptures. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Thus  it  is  written,  and 
thus  it  behooved  Christ  to 
suffer,  and  to  rise  from  the 
"dead  the  third  day  ;  and  that 
repentance  and  remission  of 


sins  should  be  preached  in 
his  name  among  all  nations, 
beginning  at  Jerusalem. 

Q.  What  else  ? 

A.  And  ye  are  witnesses 
of  these  things ;  and  behold 
I  send  the  promise  of  my 
Father  upon  you  ;  but  tarry 
ye  in  the  city  of  Jerusalem, 
until  ye  be  endued  with 
power  from  on  high. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  say? 

A.  Peace  be  unto  you :  as 
my  Father  hath  sent  me,  even 
so  send  I  you. 

Q.  What  then  did  he  do? 

A.  Breathed  on  them,  and 
said,  Receive  ye  the  Holy 
Ghost:  whosesoever  sins  ye 
remit,  they  are  remitted  unto 
them  ;  and  whosesoever  sins 
ye  retain,  they  are  retained. 


LESSON   XLVII. 


Q.  When  the  ten  disciples  told 
Thomas,  who  was  absent  when 
Jesus  met  with  them,  that  they 
had  seen  the  Lord,  what  did  he 
Bay? 

A.  Except  I  shall  see  in 
his  hands  the  print  of  the 
nails,  and  put  my  finger  into 
the  print  of  the  nails,  and 
thrust  my  hand  into  his  side, 
I  will  not  believe.  John  xx. 
24. 

Q.  When  a  week  after  they 
were  met,  and  Thomas  with 
them,  what  happened  ? 


A.  Jesus  stood  in  the 
midst  and  said,  Peace  be  unto 
you. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  Thomas  ? 

A.  Reach  hither  thy  fin- 
ger, and  behold  my  hands ; 
and  reach  hither  thy  hand, 
and  thrust  it  into  my  side ; 
and  be  not  faithless,  but  be- 
lieving. 

Q.  What  did  Thomas  say  unto 
him? 

A.  My  Lord  and  my  God. 


84 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  Jesus  reply? 

A.  Thomas,  because  thou 
liast  seen  me,  thou  hast  be- 
lieved :  blessed  are  they  that 
have  not  seen,  and  yet  have 
believed. 

Q.  Whither  did  the  eleven 
disciples  go? 

A.  Into  Galilee. 

Q.  Where  did  Jesus  appear  to 
them  ? 

A.  At  the  sea  of  Tiberias. 
John  xxi. 

Q.  Who  were  present? 

A.  Peter,  Thomas,  Natha- 
nael,  James,  and  John. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  say  ? 
A.  I  go  a-fishing. 
Q.  What  did  the  others  say  ? 
A.  "We  also  go  with  thee. 

Q.  In  the  morning,  having 
caught  nothing  all  night,  whom 
did  they  see  on  the  shore  ? 

A.  Jesus,  but  they  did  not 
know  him. 

Q.  What  did  he  ask  them  ? 

A.  Children,  have  ye  any 
meat  ? 

Q.  Wlien  they  said  No,  what 
did  he  say? 

A.  Cast  the  net  on  the 
right  side  of  the  ship,  and  ye 
shall  find, 

Q.  Did  they  do  so? 

A.  Yes,  and  caught  so 
many  fish  that  they  could 
not  draw  the  net. 

Q.  What  did  John  say  to 
Peter  ? 

A.  It  is  the  Lord. 


Q.  ^Taat  did  they  then  do? 

A.  Peter  jumped  into  the 
sea  to  go  to  Christ,  and  the 
rest  came  in  a  boat,  dragging 
the  net. 

Q.  How  far  were  they  from 
land  ? 

A.  Two  hundred  cubits. 

Q.  What  did  they  find  on  the 
land  ? 

A.  A  fire  of  coals,  and  fish 
laid  thereon,  and  bread. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  Bring  of  the  fish  which 
ye  have  now  caught. 

Q.  How  many  were  there  ? 

A.  One  hundred  and  fifty- 
three  large  fishes,  yet  the  net 
was  not  broken. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  then  say? 
A.  Come  and  dine. 
Q.  Did  they  all  know  him? 
A.  They  did. 
Q.  What  did  Jesus  do  ? 
A.    Took  bread   and  fish 
and  gave  them. 

Q.  How  often  had  he  showed 
himself  to  his  disciples  since  his 
resurrection? 

A.  This  was  the  third 
time. 

Q.  "Wlien  they  had  dined, 
what  did  Jesus  say  to  Peter? 

A.  Simon,  son  of  Jonas, 
lovest  thou  me  more  than 
these  ? 

Q.  Wliat  did  Peter  answer? 

A.  Yea,  Lord :  thou  know- 
est  that  I  love  thee. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  him  to  do  ? 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


85 


A.  Feed  my  lambs. 

Q.  When  lie  said  to  him  the 
second  time,  Simon,  son  of  Jo- 
nas, lovest  thou  me,  what  did 
Peter  reply? 

A.  Yea,  Lord :  thou  know- 
ef^t  that  I  love  thee. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  say? 
A.  Feed  my  sheep. 

Q.  When  he  said  to  him  the 
third  time,  Simon,  son  of  Jonas, 
lovest  thou  me,  how  was  Peter 
affected  ? 

A.  He  was  grieved,  and 
said,  Lord,  thou  knowest  all 
things  :  thou  knowesi  that  I 
love  thee. 

Q.  What  did  Jesus  say? 

A.  Feed  my  sheep. 

Q.  Wliat  did  he  add  ? 

A.  Yerily,  verily,  I  say 
unto  thee,  When  thou  wast 


young,  thou  girdedst  thyself, 
and  walkedst  whither  thou 
wouldest :  but  when  thou 
shalt  be  old,  thou  shalt  stretch 
forth  thy  hands,  and  another 
shall  gird  thee,  and  carry 
thee  whither  thou  wouldest 
not. 

Q.  What  did  this  signify? 

A.  The  manner  of  his 
death. 

Q.  When  he  said,  Follow  me, 
what  did  Peter  ask? 

A.  What  John  should  do. 

Q.  Wliat  did  Jesus  say  ? 

A.  If  I  will  that  he  tarry 
till  I  come,  what  is  that  to 
thee  ?  follow  thou  me. 

Q.  What  did  the  disciples  erro- 
neously conclude  from  this? 

A.  That  John  should  not 
die. 


LESSON    XLVIII. 


Q.  Where  did  Jesus  then  meet 
the  disciples? 

A.  In  a  mountain  in  Gali- 
lee.    Matt,  xxviii.  16. 

Q.  When  they  saw  him,  what 
did  they  do? 

A.  Worshipped  him ;  but 
Bome  doubted. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  them  ? 

A.  All  power  is  given  unto 
me  in  heaven  and  in  earth : 
go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all 
nations,  baptizing  them  in 
the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 


Ghost ;  teaching  them  to  ob- 
serve all  things  whatsoever  I 
have  commanded  you ;  and, 
lo,  I  am  with  you  alway, 
even  unto  the  end  of  the 
world. 

Q.  How  does  the  commission 
read  in  Mark  ? 

A.  Go  ye  into  all  the  world, 
and  preach  the  gospel  to 
every  creature:  he  that  be- 
lieveth  and  is  baptized  shall 
be  saved ;  but  he  that  be- 
lieveth  not  shall  be  damned. 
Mark  xvi.  15. 


86 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  promise  did  he  give 
them? 

A.  And  these  signs  shall 
follow  them  that  believe  :  In 
my  name  shall  they  cast  out 
devils  ;  they  shall  speak  with 
new  tongues  ;  they  shall  take 
up  serpents ;  and  if  they 
drink  any  deadly  thing,  it 
shall  not  hurt  them ;  they 
shall  lay  hands  on  the  sick, 
and  they  shall  recover. 

Q.  What  did  he  tell  them  to 
Avait  for  at  Jerusalem  ? 

A.  The  promise  of  the  Fa- 
ther, which  ye  have  heard  of 
me  ;  for  John  truly  baptized 
with  water  ;  but  ye  shall  be 
baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost 
not  many  days  hence.   Acts  i. 

Q.  When  they  asked  him,  Lord, 
wilt  thoa  at  this  time  restore 
again  the  kingdom  to  Israel? 
what  did  he  reply? 

A.  It  is  not  for  you  to 
know  the  times  or  the  sea- 
sons, which  the  Father  hath 
put  in  his  own  power.  But 
ye  shall  receive  power,  after 
that  the  Holy  Ghost  is  come 
upon  you ;  and  ye  shall  be 
witnesses  unto  me  both  in 
Jerusalem,  and  in  all  Judea, 
and  in  Samaria,  and  unto  the 
uttermost  part  of  the  earth. 

Q.  When  he  had  said  this, 
what  did  he  do? 

A.  Led  them  out  to  Beth- 
any, and  lifted  up  his  hands 
upon  them,  and  blessed  them. 
Luke  xxiv.  50. 

Q.  While  he  blessed  them, 
wliat  came  to  pass? 


A.  He  was  parted  from 
them,  and  received  up  into 
heaven,  where  he  sat  on  the 
right  hand  of  God. 

Q.  While  a  cloud  was  receiv- 
ing him  out  of  their  sight,  and 
they  were  looking  steadfastly 
toward  heaven,  who  stood  by 
them  ? 

A.  Two  men  in  white  ap- 
parel. 

Q.  What  did  they  say? 

A.  Ye  men  of  Galilee,  why 
stand  ye  gazing  up  into  hea- 
ven? this  same  Jesus  which 
is  taken  up  from  you  into 
heaven,  shall  so  come  in  like 
manner  as  ye  have  seen  him 
go  into  heaven. 

Q.  What  did  the  disciples 
then  do? 

A.  AVorshipped  him,  and 
returned  to  Jerusalem  with 
great  joy ;  and  they  Avere 
continually  in  the  temple, 
praising  and  blessing  God. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  after- 
ward ? 

A.  Went  and  preached 
everywhere,  the  Lord  work- 
ing with  them,  and  confirm- 
ing the  word  with  signs  fol- 
lowing. 

Q.  What  does  John  say  about 
other  things  which  Jesus  did, 
which  are  not  recorded? 

A.  If  they  should  be  writ- 
ten every  one,  I  suppose  that 
even  the  world  itself  could 
not  contain  the  books  that 
should  be  written.  John  xxi. 
25. 


SCRIPTUUE   CATECHISM. 


87 


Q.    Wliy    are    these    written 
vrliich  are  recorded? 

A.  That  3^e  might  believe 
that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the 


Son  of  God ;  and  that  believ- 
ing ye  might  have  life 
through  his  name.  John  xx. 
31. 


LESSON   XLIX. 


Q.  What  did  the  disciples  do 
after  Christ's  ascension? 

A.  Continued  in  prayer  in 
an  upper  room  in  Jerusalem. 
Acts  i. 

Q.  How  many  of  them  were 
there  ? 

A.  One  hundred  and 
twenty. 

Q.  How  did  they  supply  the 
place  of  Judas? 

A.  They  chose  Matthias, 
by  lot. 

Q,  What  happened  at  the  day 
of  Pentecost? 

A.  They  were  baptized 
■with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
spake  with  other  tongues. 
Acts  ii. 

Q.  What  did  the  Jews  say  ? 

A.  That  they  were  filled 
with  new  wine. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  tell  them? 

A.  That  it  was  the  fulfil- 
3ient  of  Joel's  prophecy  con- 
cerning the  pouring  out  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.     Joel  ii.  28. 

Q.  When  they  were  convicted 
by  his  preaching,  what  did  he 
say? 

A.  Repent,  and  be  baptiz- 
ed every  one""  of  you  in  the 
name  of  Jesus  Christ  for  the 


remission  of  sins,  and  ye 
shall  receive  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  For  the  pro- 
mise is  unto  you,  and  to  your 
children,  and  to  all  that  are 
afar  off,  even  as  many  as  the 
Lord  our  God  shall  call. 

Q.  How  many  were  converted 
that  day  ? 

A.  Three  thousand. 

Q.  What  did  they  do? 

A.  Continued  steadfastly 
in  the  apostles'  doctrine  and 
fellowship,  and  in  breaking 
of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 

Q.  What  miracle  did  Peter 
and  John  perform? 

A.  Caused  a  lame  man  to 
walk.     Acts  iii. 

Q.  When  the  people  mar- 
velled, what  did  Peter  say? 

A.  That  the  miracle  was 
done  in  the  name  of  Jesus, 
whom  they  had  crucified. 

Q.  What  did  he  exhort  them 
to  do  ? 

A.  Repent  and  be  con- 
verted. 

Q.  What  prophecy  did  he  say 
was  fulfilled  in  Christ? 

A.  That  of  xMoses,  A  pro- 
phet shall  the  Lord  your  God 
raise   up  unto  you  of  your 


88 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


brctliren,  like  unto  me:  liim 
t^liall  ye  hear  in  all  things 
whatsoever  he  shall  say  unto 
you.     Deut.  xviii.  15. 

Q.  What  other  ? 

A.  And  in  thy  seed  shall 
all  the  kindreds  of  the  earth 
be  blessed.     Gen.  xxii.  18. 

Q.  How  raauy  were  the  men 
that  believed? 

A.  About  five  thousand. 

Q.  When  Peter  and  John  were 
taken  before  the  council,  what 
prophecy  did  Peter  apply  to 
them? 

A.  This  is  the  stone  which 
was  set  at  naught  of  you 
builders,  which  is  become 
the  head  of  the  corner.  Ps. 
cxviii.  22 :  Acts  iv. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Neither  is  there  salva- 
tion in  any  other ;  for  there 
is    none   other  name  under 


heaven    given    among  men, 
whereby  we  must  be  saved. 

Q.  When  the  council  com- 
manded them  not  to  preach, 
what  did  they  say? 

A.  Whether  it  be  right  in 
the  sight  of  God  to  hearken 
unto  you  more  than  unto 
God,  judge  ye.  For  we  can- 
not but  speak  the  things 
which  we  have  seen  and 
heard. 

Q.  When  they  were  let  go, 
and  they  went  to  their  own  com- 
I^any,  what  did  the  disciples  do  ? 

A.  Engaged  in  prayer  and 
praise. 

Q.   What  scripture  did    they 
cite  as  now  fulfilled? 
A.  The  second  Psalm. 

Q.  Were  they  all  of  one  heart 
and  soul  ? 

A.  They  were,  and  had  all 
things  common. 


LESSON   L. 


Q.  What  happened  to  Ananias 
and  Saj)pliira,  Avho  told  a  lie 
about  the  property  they  had 
sold? 

A.  They  were  struck  dead. 
Acts  V. 

Q.  When  the  disciples  in- 
creased, and  the  apostles 
wrought  many  miracles,  Avliat 
did  the  high- priest  and  they 
that  were  with  him  do  to  the 
apostles? 

A.  Put  them  in  prison. 

Q.  Did  they  stay  there  long  ? 


A.  No,  an  angel  let  them 
out,  and  sent  them  to  the 
temple  to  preach. 

Q.  When  the  council  again 
dealt  with  them,  what  did  they 
say? 

A.  "We  ought  to  obey  God 
rather  than  men. 

Q.  What  else  ? 

A.  The  God  of  our  fathers 
raised  up  Jesus,  whom  ye 
slew  and  hanged  on  a  tree. 
Him  hath  God  exalted  with 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


89 


his  right  hand  to  be  a  Prince 
and  a  Saviour,  for  to  give 
repentance  to  Israel  and  re- 
mission of  sins. 

Q.  When  the  council  were 
going  to  slay  them,  what  did 
Gamaliel  say? 

A.  Let  them  alone,  lest  ye 
be  found  even  to  fight  against 
God. 

Q.  What  did  they  do  to  them? 

A.  Beat  them,  and  let  them 
go,  commanding  them  not  to 
speak  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 

Q.  What  did  the  apostles  do? 

A.  Rejoiced  that  they  were 
counted  worthy  to  sufier 
shame  for  his  name. 

Q.  Did  they  continue  to  teach  ? 
A.  Yes,  daily,  in  the  tem- 
ple and  in  every  house. 

Q.  When  men  were  needed  to 
distribute  alms,  how  were  they 
appointed? 

A.  The  people  chose  seven 
men,  and  the  apostles  laid 
hands  on  them.    Acts  vi. 

Q.  Who  was  the  first  of  the 
seven? 


A.  Stephen,  a  man  full  of 
faith  and  power. 

Q.  When  he  disputed  with  the 
Jews,  and  they  charged  him  with 
blasphemy,  before  the  council, 
what  did  iie  do  ? 

A.  Made  a  defence,  in 
which  he  charged  them  with 
the  murder  of  Christ.  Acts 
vii. 

Q.  When  he  said,  Behold,  I 
see  the  heavens  opened,  and  the 
Son  of  man  standing  on  the  right 
hand  of  God,  what  did  they  do  ? 

A.  Cast  him  out  of  the 
city,  and  stoned  him. 

Q.  Who  held  the  clothes  of 
the  witnesses? 

A.  A  young  man  named 
Saul. 

Q.  What  did  Stephen  say? 

A.  Lord  Jesus,  receive  my 
spirit. 

Q.  What  else  ? 

A.  lie  kneeled  down,  and 
cried  with  a  loud  voice,  Lord, 
lay  not  this  sin  to  their 
charge. 

Q.  When  he  had  said  this, 
what  followed  ? 

A,  He  fell  asleep. 


LESSON    LI. 


Q.  Who  buried  Stephen? 

A.  Devout  men,  who  made 
groat  lamentation  over  him. 
Acts  viii. 

Q.  What  happened  to  the 
Church? 


A.    It  was 
persecution. 


scattered    by 


Q.  Who  was  foremost  in  the 
persecution? 

A.  Saul. 


90 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  Who  preached  and  wrouglit 
miracles  in  Samaria? 

A.  Philip,  one  of  the  seven. 

Q.  What  was  the  result? 

A.  Many  Avere  baptized, 
and  among  them  Simon,  the 
sorcerer. 

Q.  When  Peter  and  John  went 
and  laid  hands  on  Ihem,  and  they 
received  the  Holy  Ghost,  what 
did  Simon  do? 

A.  Offered  them  money, 
saying.  Give  me  also  this 
power,  that  on  vrhomsoever  I 
lay  hands  he  may  receive 
the  Holy  Ghost. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  say  to  him? 

A.  Thy  money  perish  with 
thee,  because  thou  hast 
thought  that  the  gift  of  God 
may  be  purchased  with 
money. 

Q.  What  else  did  he  say  ? 

A.  Thou  hast  neither  part 
nor  lot  in  this  matter,  for  thy 
heart  is  not  right  in  the  sight 
of  God. 

Q.  When  he  told  him  to  re- 
pent, Avhat  did  Simon  do? 

A.  Asked  the  apostles  to 
pray  for  him. 

Q.  Whither  did  Philip  go  ? 

A.  To  a  desert  between 
Jerusalem  and  Gaza. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  find  there  ? 

A.  A  eunuch,  treasurer 
of  Candace,  the  queen  of 
Ethiopia. 

Q.  What  was  he  doing? 

A.  Riding  in  a  chariot, 
reading  Isaiah  liii. 


Q.  What  did  Philip  do? 

A.  Preached  Jesus  to  him 
from  that  scripture,  and, 
when  he  professed  faith,  bap. 
tized  him. 

Q.  When  Saul  was  journeying 
to  Damascus  on  a  persecuting 
errand,  what  happened? 

A.  He  was  stricken  to  the 
earth  by  a  light  from  heaven. 
Acts  ix. 

Q.  What  did  he  hear? 

A.  A  voice  from  heaven, 
saying,  Saul,  Saul,  why  per- 
secutest  thou  me  ? 

Q.  When  he  found  it  was  Jesus 
that  spoke,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  Lord,  what  wilt  thou 
have  me  to  do  ? 

Q.  Whither  was  he  sent? 

A.  To  Damascus,  where 
he  remained  three  days  with- 
out sight,  and  neither  did  eat 
nor  drink. 

Q.  How  was  he  relieved? 

A.  Ananias,  a  disciple, 
being  sent  to  him  by  the 
Lord  in  a  vision,  put  his 
hands  upon  him,  and  he  re- 
ceived sight  and  arose  and 
was  baptized. 

Q.  What  did  he  then  do  ? 

A.  Preached,  as  Christ  had 
ordered  him. 

Q.  What  did  the  Jews  do  ? 

A.  Tried  to  kill  him,  but 
the  disciples  let  him  down  by 
the  wall  in  a  basket,  and  he 
fled  from  Damascus. 

Q.  Whither  did  he  go? 

A.    To  Arabia,  and  after- 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


91 


ward  back  to  Damascus.  Gal. 
i.  17. 

Q.  When,  three  years  after, 
he  went  to  Jerusalem,  and  the 
Jews   there    tried  to  kill  him, 


what  did  the  disciples  do  with 
him? 

A.  Took  him  to  Caesarea, 
and  then  sent  him  to  Tar- 
sus. 


LESSON   LIT. 


Q.  ^^^lom  did  Peter  find  at 
Lydda? 

A.  A  man  ^^'ho  had  been 
sick  of  the  palsy  eight  years. 
Acts  ix.  32. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  to  him? 

A.  Eneas,  Jesus  Christ 
maketh  thee  whole :  arise, 
and  make  thy  bed, 

Q.  Did  he  do  so? 

A.  Yes,  and  the  people  at 
Lydda  and  Saron  saw  him, 
and  turned  to  the  Lord. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  restore  to 
life  at  Joppa? 

A.  A  disciple  named  Ta- 
bitha,  or  Dorcas. 

Q.  What  was  her  character? 

A.  She  was  full  of  good 
works  and  almsdecds. 

Q.  ^Vhat  was  the  effect  of  this 
miracle  ? 

A.  Many  believed  in  the 
]i0rd. 

Q.  To  whom  was  Peter  sent 
in  Cassarea? 

A.  To  Cornelius,  a  devout 
centurion.     Acts  x. 

Q.  Had  Cornelius  been  direct- 
ed in  a  vision  to  send  for  Peter  ? 
A.  He  had. 


Q.  As  Cornelius  was  a  Gentile, 
how  was  Peter  induced  to  go  to 
him? 

A.  By  a  vision,  in  which 
he  was  commanded  to  eat  an- 
imals which  the  Jews  con- 
sidered unclean. 

Q.  Did  he  apply  this  to  the 
Gentiles? 

A.. lie  did,  and  said,  Of  a 
truth  I  perceive  that  God  is 
no  respecter  of  persons  ;  but 
in  every  nation  he  that  fear- 
eth  him,  and  worketh  right- 
eousness, is  accepted  with 
him. 

Q.  When  he  preached  Christ 
to  Cornelius  and  his  family,  what 
happened? 

A.  The  Holy  Ghost  fell  on 
all  them  which  heard  the 
word. 

Q.  What  did  Peter  say? 

A.  Can  any  man  forbid 
water  that  tliese  should  not 
be  baptized,  which  have  re- 
ceived the  Holy  Ghost,  as 
well  as  we  ? 

Q.  What  did  he  do? 
A.  Commanded  them  to  be 
baptized. 


92 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  When  Peter  returned  to 
Jerusalem,  and  the  disciples 
asked  him  about  his  going  to 
the  Gentiles,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Rehearsed  the  matter 
from  the  beginning.    Acts  xi. 

Q.  Did  this  satisfy  thera? 

A.  It  did. 

Q.  When  disciples  were  made 
in  Phenicc,  C3'rus,  and  Antioch, 
who  was  sent  to  them? 


A.  Barnabas,  -who  brought 
Saul  from  Tarsus  to  Antioch. 

Q.  WTiere  were  the  disciplea 
first  called  Christians? 
A.  At  Antioch. 

Q.  When  there  was  a  famine, 
what  did  the  disciples  do? 

A.  Sent  relief  to  the  bre- 
thren in  Judaea  by  Barnabas 
and  Saul. 


LESSON    LIII. 


Q.  When  Herod  had  killed 
James,  the  brother  of  John,  what 
else  did  he  propose  to  do  to 
please  the  Jews? 

A.  To  kill  Peter,  after  the 
passover.     Acts  xii. 

Q.  AVhen  Peter  was  kept  in 
prison,  what  did  the  Church  do? 

A.  Prayed  for  him. 

Q.  How  was  he  delivered  from 
prison  ? 

A.  By  an  angel. 

Q.  What  happened  to  Herod 
when  he  made  an  oration  to  the 
people,  and  they  said.  It  is  the 
voice  of  a  god,  and  not  of  a  man  ? 

A.  The  angel  of  the  Lord 
smote  him,  because  he  gave 
i\ot  God  the  glory ;  and  he 
Avas  eaten  of  worms. 

Q.  What  did  the  prophets  and 
teachers  of  the  Church  at  Anti- 
och do  by  order  of  the  Holy 
Ghost? 

A.  Sent  forth  Barnabas 
and  Saul  on  a  mission  to  the 
Gentiles.     Acts  xiii. 


Q.  Who  went  with  them  as 
their  minister? 

A.  John  Mark. 

Q.  WhenElymas,  the  sorcerer, 
tried  to  keep  Sergius  Paulus,  the 
deputy  at  Paphos,  from  embrac- 
ing the  faitli,  what  was  done  to 
him  by  Saul? 

A.  He  vras  struck  blind. 

Q.  Did  the  deputy  believe? 

A,  lie  did,  being  aston- 
ished at  the  doctrine  of  the 
Lord. 

Q.   What  is  Saul  henceforth 
called? 
A.  Paul. 

Q.  After  visiting  Perga, 
whither  did  Paul  and  Barnabas 
go? 

A.  To  Antioch,  in  Pisidia, 
where  they  preached  in  the 
synagogue. 

Q.  What  was  the  result  ? 

A.  Many  of  the  Gentiles 
believed ;  but  the  Jews  per- 
secuted them  out  of  the  city. 


SCRIPTURE  CATECHISM. 


93 


Q.  What  did  they  do? 

A.  Shook  off  the  dust  of 
their  feet  agaiust  them,  aud 
came  unto  Iconium. 

Q.  After  preaching  success- 
fully there,  what  happened  ? 

A.  The  unbelieving  Jews 
raised  a  persecution  against 
them,  and  they  fled  to  Lystra. 
Acts  xiv. 

Q.  After  healing  a  cripple 
there,  Avhat  did  the  people  think? 

A.  They  were  the  gods  Ju- 
piter and  Mercury,  and  were 
going  to  worship  them. 

Q.  When  they  prevented  this, 
what  took  place? 

A.  The  Jews  persuaded 
the  people,  and  they  stoned 
Paul. 

Q.  Was  he  killed? 

A.  He  was  not. 

Q.  Whither  did  he  and  Bar- 
nabas then  go? 

A.  To  Derbe. 

Q.  After  preaching  there, 
what  did  they  do  ? 

A.  Went  back  to  Antioch, 
confirming  the  disciples  in 
the  places  which  they  had 
visited. 

Q.    When  certain  men  from 


Judaea  insisted  that  the  Gentile 
believers  should  be  circumcised, 
what  did  the  disciples  at  Anti- 
och do? 

A.  Sent  Paul  and  Barna- 
bas to  the  apostles  and  elders 
at  Jerusalem  about  this  ques- 
tion.    Acts  XV. 

Q.  After  consulting  on  it,  what 
did  the  apostles  and  elders  do? 

A.  Sent  Paul  and  Barna- 
bas, Judas  and  Silas,  with  a 
letter  stating  that  the  Gen- 
tiles were  not  obliged  to  be 
circumcised. 

Q.  How  did  this  affect  them? 

A.  They  rejoiced  for  the 
consolation. 

Q.  When  Paul  and  Barnabas 
were  going  to  visit  the  cities 
where  they  had  preached,  whom 
did  Barnabas  want  to  take  with 
them  ? 

A.  John  Mark. 

Q.  Was  Paul  willing  ? 

A.  No :  because  Mark  left 
them  at  Pamphylia. 

Q.  How  did  they  settle  the 
matter  ? 

A.  Barnabas  took  Mark 
and  sailed  to  Cyprus,  and 
Paul  chose  Silas,  and  went 
through  Syria  and  Cilicia. 


LESSON   LIV. 


Q.  Who  went  with  Paul  from 
Lystra? 

A.  Timothy.     Acts  xvi. 

Q.  After  going  through  Phry- 


gia,  Galatia,  and  Mysia  to  Troas, 
what  happened? 

A,  A  man  of  Macedonia 
said  to  Paul  in  a  vision,  Come 


94 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


over    into    Macedonia,    and 
help  us. 

Q.  Didtheygo? 
A.  Yes,   and  preached   at 
Philippi. 

Q.  With  what  effect? 

A.  Lydia,  a  seller  of  pur- 
ple, from  Thyatira,  believed, 
and  was  baptized,  vrith  her 
family. 

Q.  When  Paul  had  cast  out  a 
spirit  of  divination  from  a  dam- 
sel who  had  brought  much  gain 
to  her  masters  by  soothsaying, 
Avhat  was  done  with  Paul  and 
Silas? 

A.  They  were  beaten,  cast 
into  prison,  and  their  feet 
made  fast  in  the  stocks. 

Q.  When  they  prayed  and 
sung  at  midnight,  what  took 
place  ? 

A.  The  prison  was  thrown 
open  by  an  earthquake,  and 
the  prisoners'  bands  were 
loosed. 

Q.  What  effect  had  this  on  the 
jailer? 

A.  He  was  going  to  kill 
himself,  supposing  the  pris- 
oners had  fled. 

Q.  ^Ylien  Paul  prevented  him, 
what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Came  trembling,  and 
fell  down  before  Paul  and 
Silas,  and  said,  Sirs,  what 
must  I  do  to  be  saved  ? 

Q.  What  did  they  say? 

A.  Believe  on  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  thou  shalt 
be  saved,  and  thy  house. 


Q.  What  was  the  result? 

A.  lie  washed  their  stripes, 
he  and  his  were  baptized,  and 
he  rejoiced,  believing  in  God, 
with  all  his  house. 

Q.  When  the  magistrates 
heard  that  Paul  and  Silas  were 
Romans,  how  were  they  affected  ? 

A.  They  were  afraid,  and 
besought  them  to  leave  the 
city. 

Q.  After  passing  through  Am- 
phipolis  to  Apollouia,  whither 
did  they  go? 

A.  To  Thossalonica.  Acts 
xvii. 

Q.  Did  any  there  believe? 

A.  Yes,  a  great  multi- 
tude. 

Q.  When  the  Jews  raised  a 
persecution  against  them, 
wliither  did  they  go? 

A.  To  Berea. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  Jews 
at  Berea? 

A.  These  were  more  noble 
than  those  in  Thessalonica, 
in  that  they  received  the  word 
with  all  readiness  of  mind, 
and  searched  the  Scriptures 
daily,  whether  those  things 
were  so. 

Q.  Did  many  of  them  believe  ? 
A.  Yes,  and  of  Greeks  too. 

Q.  When  the  Jews  of  Thessa- 
lonica raised  a  persecution  at 
Berea,  what  did  Paul  do  ? 

A.  Left  Silas  and  Timothy, 
and  went  to  Athens. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  there  ? 
A.  Preached  Jesus  and  the 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


95 


resurrection  in  the  syna- 
gogue, and  market,  and  on 
Mars'  Hill. 

Q.  \Yith  what  success? 


A.  Some  mocked ;  others 
said,  We  will  hear  thee  again 
of  this  matter ;  and  otliers 
believed. 


LESSON    LV. 


■    Q.  Wliither  did  Paul  then  go  ? 

A.  To  Corinth.   Acts  xviii. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  find  there  ? 

A.  Aquila  and  Priscilla. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Worked  with  them  at 
tent-making,  and  preached. 

Q.  AVhen  the  Jews  blas- 
phemed, what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Went  to  the  Gentiles. 

Q.  Whom  did  he  baptize? 

A.  Many,  and  among  them 
Crispus,  the  ruler  of  the  syn- 
agogue, and  his  family.  1 
Cor.  i.  14-16. 

Q.  What  encouraged  him? 

A.  A  vision,  in  which  the 
Lord  told  him  not  to  be 
afraid. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  stay 
there  ? 

A.  A  year  and  six  months. 

Q.  When  the  Jews  raised  a 
persecution  against  him,  what 
did  Gallic,  the  deputy,  do? 

A.  He  cared  for  none  of 
those  things. 

Q.  Whom  did  Aquila  and  Pris- 
cilla find  at  Ephesus  ? 

A.  Apollos,  an  eloquent 
Jew,  mighty  in  the  Scriptures. 


Q.  When  they  found  that  he 
knew  only  the  baptism  of  John, 
what  did  they  do  ? 

A.  Expounded  unto  him 
the  way  of  the  Lord  more 
perfectly. 

Q.  Wlien  Paul  had  visited 
Ephesus,  Caesarea,  Antioch,  Gal- 
atia,  and  Phrygia,  and  returned 
to  Ephesus,  whom  did  he  find 
there  ? 

A.  Twelve  disciples,  who 
knew  only  John's  baptism. 
Acts  xix. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Taught  them,  baptized 
them  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  and  laid  his  hands  on 
them. 

Q.  What  then  took  place  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Ghost  came 
on  them,  and  they  spake  with 
tongues,  and  prophesied. 

Q.  When  some  of  the  vaga- 
bond Jews  tried  to  cast  out  evil 
spirits  in  the  name  of  Jesus, 
what  did  one  of  the  spirits  say  ? 

A.  Jesus  I  know,  and  Paul 
I  know ;  but  who  are  ye  ? 

Q.  What  did  the  demoniac  do 
to  the  exorcists? 

A.  Beat  them,  and  drove 
them  away. 


96 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  did  many  of  tlie  ma- 
gicians do? 

A.  Burnt  their  books  of 
magic,  valued  at  fifty  thou- 
sand pieces  of  silver. 

Q.  Wliat  then  happened  ? 

A.  Demetrius,  a  silver- 
smith, raised  a  riot. 

Q.  Why  did  he  do  this? 


A.  Because  his  craft  was 
in  danger. 

Q,  How  was  this? 

A.  He  made  silver  shrines 
for  Diana,  and  when  the  peo- 
ple were  converted,  they 
ceased  to  buy  those  idola- 
trous things. 

Q.  Who  quieted  the  mob? 

A.  The  town-clerk. 


LESSON   LVI. 


Q.  After  Paul  had  gone  over 
Macedonia,  Greece,  and  Asia 
Minor,  whither  did  he  go  ? 

A.  To  Troas.     Acts  xs. 

Q.   vVhat  did  he  do  there  ? 

A.  Upon  the  first  day  of 
the  week,  when  the  disciples 
came  together  to  break  bread, 
Paul  preached  unto  them. 

Q.  As  he  continued  his  speech 
till  midniglit,  what  happened? 

A.  Eutychus,  a  young  man, 
fell  down  asleep  from  the 
third  loft,  and  was  taken  up 
dead. 

Q.  What  did  Paul  do? 

A.  llestored  him  to  life. 

Q.  When  he  was  at  Miletus, 
what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Sent  to  Ephesus  for  the 
elders  of  the  church,  and 
charged  them  to  feed  the 
flock  of  God,  over  which  they 
were  made  overseers. 

Q.  After  visiting  Coos,  Rhodes, 
and  Patara,  whither  did  Paul 
and  his  company  go? 


A,  To  Tyre,  where  they 
found  disciples,  who  begged 
him  not  to  go  to  Jerusalem. 

Acts  xxi. 

Q.  When  they  came  to  Cfesa- 
rea,  whom  did  they  find  there? 

A.  Philip  the  evangelist, 
one  of  the  seven,  and  his 
four  virgin  daughters,  who 
did  prophesy. 

Q.  \Then  Agabus,  the  pro- 
phet, told  Paul  that  the  Jews 
would  bind  him  if  he  went  to 
Jerusalem,  what  did  he  say? 

A.  I  am  ready  not  to  be 
bound  only,  but  also  to  die 
for  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

Q.  When  they  got  to  Jerusa- 
lem, and  Paul  was  purifying  him- 
self in  the  temple,  and  the  Jews 
beat  him  and  tried  to  kill  him, 
who  prevented  them? 

A.  The  chief  captain  of 
the  band. 

Q.  What  did  Paul  do? 

A.    Made  his  defence,  in 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


97 


which  he  gave  an  account  of 
his  conversion  and  call  to 
preach  to  the  Gentiles.  Acts 
xxii. 

Q.  'When  this  excited  them, 
jvnd  the  captain  was  going  to 
examine  him  by  scourging,  what 
did  he  do? 

A,  Claimed  his  rights  as  a 
Roman  citizen,  whom  it  was 
not  lawful  to  scourge  uncon- 
domned. 

Q.  When  brought  before  the 
council,  what  did  he  do? 

A.  Defended  himself 
against  Ananias,  the  high- 
priest,  who  ordered  him  to 
be  smitten  on  the  mouth. 
Acts  xxiii. 

Q.  When  the  Phavir^ees  favored 
him  because  he  opposed  the  Sad- 
diicees  who  denied  the  resur- 
rection, what  took  place  ? 

A.  More  than  forty  Jews 
bound  themselves  under  a 
curse  that  they  would  not 
eat  nor  drink  till  they  had 
killed  him. 

Q.  How  were  they  prevented  ? 
A.  Paul's  sister's  son  told 


it  to  the  chief  captain,  who 
sent  Paul  with  a  strong 
guard  to  Caesarea, 

Q.  When  Ananias  and  the  el- 
ders, with  Tertulhis.  an  orator, 
accused  Paul  before  Felix,  the 
governor,  what  did  Paul  do  ? 

A,  Made  his  defence.  Acts 
xxiv. 

Q.  When  Felix  and  Drusilla, 
his  wife,  sent  for  Paul,  what  took 
place? 

A.  As  he  reasoned  of  right- 
eousness, temperance,  and 
judgment  to  come,  Felix 
trembled. 

Q.  What  did  Felix  say? 

A.  Go  thy  way  for  this 
time :  when  I  have  a  conve- 
nient season,  I  will  call  for 
thee. 

Q.  Did  he  send  for  him  often? 

A.  Yes,  expecting  Paul's 
friends  to  give  him  money  to 
procure  his  freedom. 

Q.  What  did  Felix  do  when 
Festus  succeeded  him? 

A.  Willing  to  shoAv  tho 
Jews  a  pleasure,  he  left  Paul 
bound. 


LESSON   LVII. 


Q.  When  Paul  had  defended 
himself  against  the  Jews  before 
Festus,  what  did  Festus  do  ? 

A.  Brought  him  before 
King  Agrippa.     Acts  xxv. 

Q.  When  Paul  was  defending 
himself  before  Agrippa,  what  did 
Festus  say  ? 

Vol.  II.— 4 


A.  Paul,  thou  art  beside 
thyself:  much  learning  doth 
make  thee  mad.     Acts  xxvi. 

Q.  What  did  he  say? 

A.  I  am  not  mad,  most  noble 
Festus  ;  but  speak  forth  tho 
words  of  truth  and  soberness. 


98 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Q.  \VTien  he  appealed  to 
Agrippa,  what  did  the  king  say? 

A.  Almost  thou  persuadest 
me  to  be  a  Christiau. 

Q.  What  was  Paul's  reply? 

A.  I  would  to  God  that  not 
only  thou,  but  all  that  hear 
me  this  day,  were  both  al- 
most and  altogether  such  as 
I  am,  save  these  bonds. 

Q.  What  did  they  say  ? 

A.  That  he  was  innocent, 
and  might  have  been  set  free 
if  he  had  not  appealed  to 
Caesar. 

Q.  What  happened  in  Paul's 
voyage  to  Rome  ? 

A.  lie  was  cast  away  on 
the  island  of  Melita.  Acts 
xxvii. 

Q.  How  were  the  shipwrecked 
voyagers  treated  by  the  natives? 

A.  Very  kindly.  Acts 
xxviii. 

Q.  When  a  viper  came  out  of 
the  fire  and  fastened  on  Paul's 
hand,  what  did  they  think? 

A.  That  he  was  a  mur- 
derer, whom  vengeance  Avould 
not  let  live. 

Q.  When  he  shook  it  off  into 
the  fire,  and  received  no  harm, 
what  did  they  think? 


A.  That  he  was  a  god. 

Q.  What  miracles  did  he  per- 
form? 

A.  He  healed  the  father  of 

Publius,  who  was  sick,  and 
others  also. 

Q.  After  staying  there  three 
months,  what  did  they  do  ? 

A.  AVent  by  ship  to  Pute- 
oli,  and  then  by  land  to  Rome. 

Q.  Who  met  him  at  Appii  Fo- 
rum and  The  Three  Taverns? 

A.  Brethren,  whom  when 
Paul  saw  he  thanked  God, 
and  took  courage. 

Q.  When  the  Jews  of  Rome 
came  to  him,  what  did  he  do  ? 

A.  Persuaded  them  con- 
cerning Jesus  out  of  the  law 
and  the  prophets. 

Q.  When  some  would  not  be- 
lieve, what  did  he  do? 

A.  Reproved  them  in  the 
language  of  Isaiah  vi.  9,  10, 
and  told  them  that  the  salva- 
tion of  God  was  sent  unto  the 
Gentiles  who  would  hear  it. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  stay  at 
Rome  ? 

A.  Two  years,  preaching 
in  his  own  hired  house. 


LESSON    LVIII. 


Q.  How  does  Paul  salute  the 
Romans  in  his  Epistle  to  them  ? 

A.  Grace  to  you  and  peace 
from  God  our  Father,  and  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Rom.  i. 


Q.  Was  this  his  usual  saluta- 
tion? 

A.  It  was. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
the  gospel 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


99 


A.  I  am  not  ashamed  of 
the  gospel  of  Christ;  for  it 
is  the  power  of  God  unto  sal- 
vation to  every  one  that  be- 
lieveth. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  of  the 
heathen  world? 

A.  That  it  vras  in  a  state 
of  shocking  depravity. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  of  the 
Jews  ? 

A.  That  they  were  very 
wicked  too.     Rom.  ii. 

Q.  IIow  does  he  say  we  must 
be  justified? 

A.  Freely  by  the  grace  of 
God,  through  the  redemption 
that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  Rom. 


Q.  How  is  this  to  be  secured? 

A.  To  him  that  worketh 
not,  but  believeth  on  him 
that  justifieth  the  ungodly, 
his  faith  is  counted  for  right- 
eousness.    Rom.  iv. 

Q.  Does  he  say  Abraham  was 
thus  justified  before  he  was  cir- 
cumcised? 

A.  He  does. 

Q.  What  is  the  result  of  justi- 
fication? 

A.  Being  justified  by  faith, 
we  have  peace  with  God, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.     Rom.  v. 

Q.  What  shall  we  say  then: 
shall  we  continue  in  sin  that 
grace  may  abound? 

A.  God  forbid.  IIow  shall 
we  that  are  dead  to  sin  live 
any  longer  therein  ?  Rom.  vi. 


Q.  Boeshesaywe  are  pledged 
to  holiness  by  our  baptism? 

A.  He  does. 

Q.  How  does  he  describe  the 
state  of  those  who  know  and  ap- 
prove the  law  but  cannot  keep  it? 

A.  0  wretched  man  that  I 
am !  who  shall  deliver  me 
from  the  body  of  this  death  ? 
Rom.  vii. 

Q.  How  is  this  question  an- 
swered? 

A.  I  thank  God  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Q.  What  is  the  condition  of 
those  who  are  set  free  from  the 
law  of  sin  and  death? 

A.  There  is  no  condemna- 
tion to  them,  and  they  are 
made  children  and  heirs  of 
God.     Rom.  viii. 

Q.  What  assurance  is  given 
them? 

A.  "We  know  that  all  things 
work  together  for  good  to 
them  that  love  God. 

Q.  Does  God  act  like  a  sov- 
ereign in  dispensing  his  mercy? 

A.  He  does;  but  there  is 
no  unrighteousness  with  him. 
Rom.  ix. 

Q.  Why  did  not  Israel  find  the 
righteousness  which  the  Gentiles 
attained? 

A.  Because  they  sought  it 
not  by  faith. 

Q.  At  what  did  they  stumble  ? 

A.  At  that  stumbling-stone 
spoken  of  by  Isaiah,  xxviii. 
16. 

Q.  Wliatdidthey  do? 

A.   Went  about  to  estab- 


100 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


lisli  their  own  righteousness, 
not  submitting  to  the  right- 
eousness of  God.     Kom.  x. 

Q.  'V^Tiat  does  lie  call  the  Gen- 
tiles ? 

A.  Wild  olive  branches, 
■which  have  been  grafted  into 
the  good  olive  tree  in  place 
of  the  natural  branches. 
Rom.  xi. 

Q.  Who  were  the  natural 
branches? 

A.  The  Jews,  who  were 
broken  off  for  unbelief. 

Q.  Does  he  say  the  Gentiles 
•would  be  broken  off  too  if  they 
did  not  continue  faithful? 

A.  He  does. 

Q.  When  will  Israel  be  saved  ? 

A.  When  the  fulness  of  the 
Gentiles  shall  be  brought  in. 

Q.  "\iMiat  exhortation  does  he 
give  the  Romans  ? 

A.    I  beseech  you,  there- 


fore, brethren,  by  the  mer- 
cies of  God,  that  ye  present 
your  bodies  a  living  sacrifice, 
holy,  acceptable  unto  God, 
which  is  your  reasonable  ser- 
vice.    Eom.  xii. 

Q.  Does  he  tell  them  to  be 
subject  to  the  higher  powers? 

A.  lie  does,  for  the  powers 
that  be  are  ordained  of  God. 
Rom.  xiii. 

Q.  Does  he  say  that  they 
should  forbear  one  another  in 
regard  to  small  matters  in  reli- 
gion? 

A.  He  does.     Rom.  xiv. 

Q.  By  what  rule? 

A.  Receive  ye  one  another, 
as  Christ  also  received  us  to 
the  glory  of  God.     Rom.  xv. 

Q.  How  does  he  close  the 
Epistle? 

A.  By  salutations,  bene- 
dictions, and  a  doxology. 
Rom.  xvi. 


LESSON    LIX. 


Q.  What  fault  does  Paul  re- 
prove in  the  beginning  of  his 
tii'st  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians? 

A.  That  of  schism.  1 
Cor.  i. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  he 
preached  among  them? 

A.  Nothing  save  Jesus 
Christ,  and  him  crucified.  1 
Cor.  ii. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
the  foundation  of  the  faith  ? 


A.  Other  foundation  can 
no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid, 
which  is  Jesus  Christ.  1 
Cor.  iii. 

Q.  What  does  he  wish  them 
to  consider  the  apostles? 

A.  Ministers  of  Christ, 
and  stewards  of  the  myste- 
ries of  God.     1  Cor.  iv. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
gross  offenders  ? 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


101 


A.  They  must  be  put  away. 
1  Cor.  V. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
brother  going  to  law  with  bro- 
ther before  unbelievers? 

A.  It  is  utterly  a  fault.  1 
Cor.  vi. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
their  lot  in  life? 

A.  That  they  should  be 
content  with  it.     1  Cor.  vii. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
eating  meat  offered  to  idols? 

A.  That  they  should  not 
do  it  if  weak  consciences 
would  be  hurt  thereby.  1 
Cor.  viii. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
the  support  of  ministers? 

A.  The  Lord  hath  or- 
dained that  they  which 
preach  the  gospel  should  live 
of  the  gospel.     1  Cor.  ix. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
idolatry  ? 

A.  Flee  from  idolatry.  1 
Cor.  X. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
the  Lord's  Supper? 

A.  Let  a  man  examine 
himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of 
that  bread,  and  drink  of  that 
cup.     1  Cor.  xi. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
spiritual  gifts? 

A.  That  they  should  be 
used  to  the  profit  of  all.  1 
Cor.  xii. 

Q.  What  grace  does  he  praise 
above  all  others? 

A.  Charity,  or  love.  1  Cor. 
xiii. 


Q.  What  about  social  wor- 
ship ? 

A.  Let  all  things  be  done 
decently  and  in  order.  1  Cor. 
xiv. 

Q.  What  about  the  resurrec- 
tion of  the  body? 

A.  That  it  is  made  certain 
by  the  resurrection  of  Christ. 

1  Cor.  XV. 

Q.  What  fearful  passage  is  at 
the  close  of  the  Epistle  ? 

A.  If  any  man  love  not  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  let  him 
be  Anathema  Maranatha.  1 
Cor.  xvi. 

Q.  How  does  Paul  open  his 
second  Epistle  to  the  Corinthi- 
ans? 

A.  By  blessing  God  for  the 
comfort  he  enjoyed  in  all  his 
afflictions.     2  Cor.  i. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
the  man  whom  they  had  excom- 
municated? 

A.  That  they  should  for- 
give him,  as  he  was  penitent. 

2  Cor.  ii. 

Q.  WTiat  does  he  say  of  them  ? 

A.  Ye  are  our  epistle,  writ- 
ten in  our  hearts,  known  and 
read  of  all  men.     2  Cor.  iii. 

Q.  What  about  their  affliction? 

A.  Our  light  affliction, 
which  is  but  for  a  moment, 
worketh  for  us  a  far  more  ex- 
ceeding and  eternal  weight 
of  glory.     2  Cor.  iv. 

Q.  What  is  any  man  who  is  in 
Christ  ? 

A.  A  new  creature:  old 
things  are  passed  away ;  be- 


102 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


hold,  all  things  are  become 
new.     2  Cor.  v. 

Q.  "What  charge  does  he  give 
them  concerning  the  wicked? 

A.  To  have  no  fellowship 
with  them,  and  then  God 
will  receive  them,  and  be  a 
Father  unto  them.  2  Cor. 
vi. 

Q,  What  exhortation  does  he 
give  them? 

A.  Having  therefore  these 
promises,  let  us  cleanse  our- 
selves from  all  filthiness  of 
the  flesh  and  spirit,  perfect- 
ing holiness  in  the  fear  of 
God.     2  Cor.  vii. 

Q.  By  what  great  motive, 
among  otiiers,  does  he  m-ge 
them  to  liberality? 

A.  Ye  know  the  grace  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that, 
though  he  was  rich,  yet  for 
your  sakes  he  became  poor, 
that  ye  through  his  poverty 
might  be  rich.     2  Cor.  viii. 


Q.  To  what  does  he  say  their 
liberality  would  redound? 

A.  To  the  glory  of  God.  2 
Cor.  ix. 

Q.  Does  he  vindicate  his  au- 
thority against  false  teachers  ? 
A.  He  does.     2  Cor.  x. 

Q.  Does  he  speak  of  his  trials 
in  proof  of  his  sincerity? 

A.  He  does.     2  Cor.  xi. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
his  revelations? 

A.  That  he  was  caught  up 
into  paradise,  where  he  heard 
unspeakable  things  ;  but,  lest 
he  should  be  thereby  exalted 
above  measure,  he  was  hum- 
bled by  affliction,  which  he 
bore  cheerfully  by  the  aid  of 
grace.     2  Cor.  xii. 

Q.  How  does  he  close  the 
Epistle  ? 

A.  The  grace  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of 
God,  and  the  communion  of 
the  lloly  Ghost,  be  with  you 
all.     Amen.     2  Cor.  xiii. 


LESSON    LX. 


Q.  What  does  Paul  do  in  open- 
ing his  Epistle  to  the  Galatians? 

A.  He  proves  his  Divine 
calltotheapostleship.   Gal.  i. 

Q.  Whatnoble  confession  does 
he  make  ? 

A.  I  am  crucified  with 
Christ :  nevertheless  I  live  ; 
yet  not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in 
me ;  and  the  life  which  I  now 


live  in  the  flesh  I  live  by  the 
faitl)  of  the  Son  of  God,  who 
loved  me,  and  gave  himself 
for  me.     Gal.  ii. 

Q.  What  relation  does  he  say 
Gentile  believers  sustain? 

A.  As  many  of  you  as  have 
been  baptized  into  Christ, 
have  put  on  Christ;  and  if 
ye  be  Christ's,  then  are  ye 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


103 


Abraham's  seed,  and  heirs 
according  to  the  promise. 
Gal.  iii. 

Q.  What  great  privilege  be- 
longed to  them? 

A.  Because  ye  are  sons, 
God  hath  sent  forth  the  Spirit 
of  his  Son  into  your  hearts, 
crying,  Abba,  Father.  Gal. 
iv. 

Q.  What  does  he  charge  on 
those  who  were  seeking  to  be 
justilied  by  the  law? 

A.  Ye  are  fallen  from 
grace.     Gal.  v. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  of  the 
cross? 

A.  God  forbid  that  I  should 
glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom 
the  world  is  crucified  unto 
me,  and  I  unto  the  world. 
Gal.  vi. 

Q.  For  what  does  Paul  thank 
God  on  behalf  of  the  Ephesians? 

A.  Their  faith  in  the  Lord 
Jesus,  and  love  unto  all  the 
saints.     Eph.  i. 

Q.  How  does  he  say  they  are 
saved? 


A.  By  grace  are  ye  saved 
through  faith;  and  tliat  not 
of  yourselves :  it  is  the  gift 
of  God:  not  of  works,  lest 
any  man  should  boast.  For 
we  are  his  workmanship, 
created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto 
good  works,  which  God  hath 
before  ordained  that  we 
should  walk  in  them.  Eph.  ii. 

Q.  After  showing  that  he  was 
the  apostle  of  the  Gentiles, 
what  does  he  do? 

A.  He  ofiers  a  sublime 
prayer  for  them.     Eph.  iii. 

Q.  To  what  does  he  exhort 
them? 

A.  To  unity  and  consis- 
tency.    Eph.  iv. 

Q.  What  duties  does  he  en- 
force ? 

A.  Those  of  wives  and 
husbands,  children  and  pa- 
rents, servants  and  masters. 
Eph.  v.,  vi. 

Q.  Where  does  he  describe 
the  warfare  and  armor  of  the 
Christian  soldier? 

A.  Near  the  close  of  the 
Epistle. 


LESSON   LXI. 


Q.  For  what  does  Paul  offer 
thanksgivings  and  prayers  in  his 
Epistle  to  the  Philippians  ? 

A.  For  their  fellowship  in 
the  gospel,  and  their  growth 
in  grace.     Phil.  i. 

Q.  How  does  he  recommend 
benevolence  and  humility  ? 


A.  By  the  example  of 
Christ  Jesus,  who,  being  in 
th^  form  of  God,  thought  it 
not  robbery  to  be  equal  with 
God  ;  but  made  himself  of  no 
reputation,  and  took  upon 
him  the  form  of  a  servant, 
and  was  made  in  the  like- 


104 


SCRIPTURE    CATECHISM. 


ness  of  men ;  and  being 
found  in  fashion  as  a  man, 
lie  humbled  himself,  and  be- 
came obedient  unto  death, 
even  the  death  of  the  cross. 
Phil.  ii. 

Q.  Does  the  apostle  glory  in 
his  own  I'ighteousness,  which  is 
of  the  law  ? 

A.  No:  he  counts  all  things 
but  loss  for  the  excellency  of 
the  knowledge  of  Christ,  and 
the  righteousness  which  is  of 
God  by  faith.     Phil.  iii. 

Q.  How  does  he  exhort  them 
to  contentment? 

A.  Be  careful  for  nothing  ; 
but  in  every  thing  by  prayer 
and  supplication,  with 
thanksgiving,  let  your  re- 
quests be  made  known  unto 
God.  And  the  peace  of  God, 
which  passeth  all  under- 
standing, shall  keep  your 
hearts  and  minds  through 
Christ  Jesus.    Phil.  iv. 

Q.  What  floes  Paul  say  of 
Christ  in  his  Epistle  to  the  Colos- 
si ans? 

A.  That  we  have  redemp- 
tion through  his  blood,  even 
the  forgiveness  of  sins ;  and 
that  he  is  before  all  things, 
and  by  him  all  things  con- 
sist.    Col.  i. 

Q.  Does  he  warn  them  against 
false  teachers? 

A.  Yes :  all  who  do  :^ot 
hold  the  Head,  that  is,  Christ. 
Col.  ii. 

Q.  What  exhortation  does  he 
give  them? 

A.  If  ye  then  be  risen  with 


Christ,  seek  those  things 
which  are  above,  where 
Christ  sitteth  on  the  right 
hand  of  God.     Col.  iii. 

Q.  After  giving  them  direc- 
tions as  to  wives  and  husbands, 
children  and  parents,  servants 
and  masters,  what  general  in- 
junction does  he  lay  upon  them? 

A.  Continue  in  prayer, 
and  watch  in  the  same  with 
thanksgiving.     Col.  iv. 

Q.  For  what  does  he  thank 
God  on  behalf  of  the  Thessalo- 
nians  ? 

A.  Their  work  of  faith,  and 
labor  of  love,  and  patience  of 
hope.     1  Thess.  i. 

Q.  After  reminding  them  of 
his  labors  among  them,  what 
does  he  tell  them? 

A.  That  he  wanted  to  visit 
them,  for  they  were  his  glory 
and  joy ;  but  he  had  been 
prevented.     1  Thess.  ii. 

Q,  How  does  he  show  his  love 
to  tliem? 

A.  By  rejoicing  in  their 
prosperity,  and  praying  for 
their  perfection.    1  Thess.  iii. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  to  com- 
fort those  whose  friends  had 
died? 

A.  If  we  believe  that  Jesus 
died  and  rose  again,  even  so 
them  also  which  sleep  in 
Jesus  will  God  bring  with 
him. 

Q.  After  exhorting  them  to 
be  ready  for  the  day  of  the  Lord, 
— to  do  all  possible  good,  to  re- 
joice evermore,  pray  without 
ceasing,  and  in  every  thing  give 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


105 


thanks,  what   prayer   does   he 
offer  for  them? 

A.  And  the  very  God  of 
peace  sanctify  you  wholly ; 
and  I  pray  God  your  whole 
spirit,  and  soul,  and  body  be 
preserved  blameless  unto  the 
coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.     1  Thess.  v. 

Q.  How  does  he  comfort  them 
uuder  their  persecutions? 

A.  By  telling  them  that 
God  would  recompense  tribu- 
lation to  those  who  troubled 
them,  and  rest  to  them  that 
were  troubled,  at  the  revela- 


tion of  the  Lord  Jesus.     1 
Thess.  i. 

Q.  ^\^len  does  he  say  that  the 
day  of  Christ  shall  come  ? 

A.  Not  till  there  come  a 
falling  away  first,  and  the 
man  of  sin  be  revealed,  the 
wicked  one  whom  the  Lord 
shall  destroy.     2  Thess.  ii. 

Q.  How  does  he  close  the 
second  Epistle? 

A.  By  asking  their  prayers, 
praying  for  them,  and  telling 
them  how  to  live,  and  espe- 
cially to  avoid  idler  ess.  2 
Thess.  iii. 


LESSON    LXII. 


Q.  In  the  opening  of  the  first 
Epistle  to  Timothy,  where  Paul 
renders  thanks  to  Christ  for  put- 
ting him  into  the  ministry,  Avho 
had  been  a  blasphemer,  and  a 
persecutor,  and  injurious,  what 
great  truth  does  he  announce  ? 

A.  This  is  a  faithful  say- 
ing, and  worthy  of  all  accep- 
tation, that  Clirist  Jesus  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sin- 
ners ;  of  whom  I  am  chief. 
1  Tim.  i. 

Q.  After  exhorting  that  pray- 
ers and  thanksgivings  be  offered 
for  all  men,  because  God  has 
made  provision  for  the  salvation 
of  all,  what  directions  does  he 
give  to  women? 

A.  That  they  adorn  them- 
selves in  modest  apparel  and 
with  good  works,  and  learn 


in  silence  with  all  subjection. 
1  Tim.  ii. 

Q.  After  showing  the  qualifi- 
cations of  bishops  and  deacon^, 
and  their  wives,  what  does  he 
say  is  the  great  mystery  of  god- 
liness? 

A.  God  was  manifest  in 
the  flesh,  justified  in  the 
Spirit,  seen  of  angels, 
preached  unto  the  Gentiles, 
believed  on  in  the  world,  re- 
ceived up  into  glory.  1  Tim, 
iii. 

Q.  After  predicting  a  great 
apostasy,  and  charging  Timothy 
to  be  a  good  minister,  and  to 
exercise  himself  to  godliness, 
what  does  he  say? 

A.  Godliness  is  profitable 
unto  all  things,  having  pro- 


106 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


mise  of  the  life  that  now  is, 
and  of  that  which  is  to  come. 

1  Tim.  iv. 

Q.  After  giving  directions  con- 
cerning elders,  widows,  and 
others,  what  charge  does  he  give 
him? 

A.  Lay  hands  suddenly 
on  no  man,  neither  be  par- 
takers of  other  men's  sins: 
keep  thyself  pure.    1  Tim.  v. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
servants  and  rich  men? 

A.  ■  That  servants  must 
honor  and  obey  their  mas- 
tors,  whether  their  masters 
be  believers  or  not ;  and  that 
rich  men  must  not  trust  in 
their  riches,  but  do  good 
with  them.     1  Tim.  vi. 

Q.  For  what  was  Paul  joyful 
and  thankful? 

A.  For  the  faith  which  he 
was  persuaded  was  in  Tim- 
othy, and  which  was  first  in 
hi«  grandmother  Lois,  and 
his  mother  Eunice.    2  Tim.  i. 

Q.  What  does  he  tell  Timothy 
to  do  ? 

A.  To  endure  hardness,  as 
a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ. 

2  Tim.  ii. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about  his 
knowledge  of  the  Scriptures? 

A.  From  a  child  thou  hast 
known  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
which  are  a])lc  to  make  theo 
wise  unto  salvation  through 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 
2  Tim.  iii. 

Q.  Witli  what  noble  passage 
does  he  enforce  his  closing  ex- 
hortations ? 


A.  For  I  am  now  ready  to 
be  ofiered,  and  the  time  of 
my  departure  is  at  hand:  I 
have  fought  a  good  fight,  I 
have  finished  my  course,  I 
have  kept  the  faith  :  hence- 
forth there  is  laid  up  for  me 
a  crown  of  righteousness, 
which  the  Lord,  the  right- 
eous judge,  shall  give  me  at 
that  day ;  and  not  to  me  only, 
but  unto  all  them  also  that 
love  his  appearing.  1  Tim.  iv. 

Q.  After  reminding  Titus  that 
he  was  left  in  Crete  to  ordain 
elders  in  every  city,  what  does 
Paul  do? 

A.  He  describes  the  quali- 
fications and  duties  of  a 
bishop,  or  elder.     Titus  i. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
the  grace  of  God  which  bringeth 
salvation  ? 

A.  That  it  hath  appeared 
to  all  men — teaching  us  that, 
denying  ungodliness  and 
worldly  lusts,  we  should  live 
soberly,  righteously,  and 
godly  'in  this  present  world  ; 
looking  for  that  blessed  hope, 
and  the  glorious  appearing 
of  the  great  God  and  our 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Titus 
ii. 

Q.  After  telling  Titus  what 
duties  he  is  to  enforce  in  his 
ministry,  how  does  he  say  we 
are  saved  ? 

A.  Not  by  works  of  right- 
eousness which  we  have  done, 
but  according  to  his  mercy 
he  saved  us,  by  the  washing 
of  regeneration,  and  renew- 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


107 


ing  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which 
he  shed  on  us  abundantly 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Sa- 
viour ;  that,  being  justified 
by  his  grace,  we  should  be 
made  heirs  according  to  the 
hope  of  eternal  life.  Titus  iii. 


Q.  On  whose  behalf  did  Paul 
write  the  Epistle  to  Philemon  ? 

A.  Philemon's  runaway 
servant,  Onesimus,  who  had 
become  a  Christian,  and  was 
sent  back  by  Paul  to  his 
master. 


LESSON   LXIII. 


Q.  How  does  Paul  magnify 
the  office  of  Christ  in  his  Epistle 
to  the  Hebrews? 

A.  By  showing  the  dignity 
of  his  person,  being  the  Son 
of  God,  the  brightness  of  his 
glory,  and  the  express  image 
of  his  person,  upholding  all 
things  by  the  word  of  his 
power,  and  all  the  angels  of 
God  worshipping  him.  Heb.  i. 

Q.  Why  then  does  he  say  he 
was  made  lower  than  the  angels  ? 

A.  That  he,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  should  taste  death 
for  every  man.     Heb.  ii. 

Q.  How  does  he  compare 
Christ,  as  the  Apostle  and  High- 
Priest  of  our  ijrofession,  with 
Moses? 

A.  Moses  was  faithful  in 
all  his  house  as  a  servant, 
but  Christ  as  a  Son  over  his 
own  house.     Heb.  iii. 

Q.  Seeing  then  that  we  have 
him  as  our  great  sympathizing 
High-Priest,  what  does  he  ex- 
hort us  to  do  ? 

A.  To  hold  fast  our  pro- 
fession, and  come  boldly  to 
the  throne  of  grace,  that  we 


may  obtain  mercy,  and  find 
grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 
Heb.  iv. 

Q.  How  did  Christ  become  a 
High-Priest? 

A.  He  was  called  of  God, 
as  was  Aaron,  and  made  a 
High-Priest  for  ever  after  the 
order  of  Melchisedec.  Heb.  v. 

Q.  After  stating  the  danger 
and  curse  of  apostasy,  how  does 
he  encourage  them  to  persever- 
ance? 

A.  By  the  promise  and 
oath  of  God  to  those  who 
have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay 
hold  upon  the  hope  set  before 
us:  which  hope  we  have  as 
an  anchor  of  the  soul,  both 
sure  and  steadfast,  and  which 
entereth  into  that  within  the 
veil ;  whither  the  forerunner 
is  for  us  entered,  even  Jesua. 
Heb.  vi. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  abcut 
Christ's  intercession? 

A.  "Wherefore  he  is  able 
also  to  save  them  to  the  utter- 
most that  come  unto  God  by 
him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to 


108 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


make  intercession  for  them. 
Ileb.  vii. 

Q.  Does  he  sa}'  the  Mosaic 
covenant  is  done  away  by  a  bet- 
ter one,  substituted  by  Christ? 

A.  He  does.     Heb  viii. 

Q.  After  showing  that  the  Mo- 
saic purifications  extended  only 
to  the  flesh,  and  were  merely 
typical  of  good  things  to  come, 
what  does  he  say  about  the  lat- 
ter? 

A.  How  much  more  shall 
the  blood  of  Christ,  who 
through  the  eternal  Spirit 
offered  himself  without  spot 
to  God,  purge  your  conscience 
from  dead  works  to  serve  the 
living  God  ?     Heb.  ix, 

Q.  Hqw  does  he  enforce  per- 
severance in  the  faith? 

A.  By  the  infinite  value  of 
Christianity,  and  the  fearful 
fate  of  those  who  renounce  it. 
Heb.  X. 


Q.  How  does  he  show  the  ex- 
cellence of  faith? 

A.  By  its  fruits  in  the  lives 
of  ancient  believers.  Heb.  xi. 

Q.  How  does  he  say  we  are 
to  be  chiefly  excited? 

A.  Looking  unto  Jesus,  the 
Author  and  Finisher  of  our 
faith ;  who,  for  the  joy  tliat 
was  set  before  him,  endured 
the  cross,  despising  the 
shame,  and  is  set  down  at 
the  right  hand  of  the  throne 
of  God.     Heb.  xii. 

Q.  After  enjoining  upon  them 
brotherly  love,  hospitality,  pu- 
rity, contentment,  stability,  lib- 
erality, and  obedience  to  their 
spiritual  rulers,  what  does  he 
ask  of  them? 

A.  Their  prayers — as  he 
does  of  all  the  cliurches  ex- 
cept those  of  Galatia — and 
he  prays  that  they  may  be 
made  perfect.     Heb.  xiii. 


LESSON   LXIV. 


Q.  After  opening  his  Epistle 
with  instructions  concerning 
trials,  temptations,  and  the  use 
we  are  to  make  of  the  word  of 
truth,  what  does  James  say  is 
pure  and  undetiled  religion? 

A.  To  visit  the  fatherless 
and  widows  in  their  affliction, 
and  to  keep  himself  unspotted 
from  the  world.     James  i. 

Q,  Wliat  does  he  say  about 
faith  and  works  ? 

A.  Faith  if  it  hath  not 
works  is  dead,  being  alone. 
James  ii. 


Q,  What  does  he  say  about 
the  unsauctified  tongue  ? 

A.  It  is  an  unruly  evil, 
full  of  deadly  poison.  James 
iii. 

Q.  After  denouncing  conten- 
tion, covetousness,  worldly 
friendship,  pride,  evil-speaking, 
presumption,  and  other  evils, 
what  does  he  say  about  sins  of 
omission  ? 

A.  To  him  that  knoweth 
to  do  good,  and  doeth  it  not, 
to  him  it  is  sin.     James  iv. 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


109 


Q.  After  denouncing  oppres- 
sion anr]  profane  swearing,  and 
recommending  patience  and 
prayer,  how  does  he  close  his 
Epistle  ? 

A.  Brethren,  if  any  of 
you  do  err  from  the  truth, 
and  one  convert  him,  let  him 
know  that  he  which  convert- 
eth  the  sinner  from  the  error 
of  his  way  shall  save  a  soul 
from  death,  and  shall  hide  a 
multitude  of  sins.     James  v. 

Q.  What  does  Peter  say  of  the 
strangers  to  whom  he  wrote  ? 

A.  That  they  were  elect 
according  to  the  foreknow- 
ledge of  God  the  Father, 
through  sanctification  of  the 
Spirit,  and  sprinkling  of  the 
blood  of  Jesus  Christ.  1 
Pet.  i. 

Q.  What  directions  does  he 
give  them  ? 

A.  To  be  holy;  and  in 
particular  he  says.  As  new 
born  babes,  desire  the  sincere 
milk  of  the  word,  that  ye 
may  grow  thereby.    1  Pet.  ii. 

Q-  After  enjoining  relative 
duties,  how  does  he  recommend 
patience  under  persecution? 

A,  By  the  example  of 
Christ,  who  once  suffered  for 
sins,  the  just  for  the  unjust, 
that  he  might  bring  us  to 
God.     1  Pet.  iii. 

Q.  \Miat  must  those  do  who 
suffer  according  to  the  will  of 
God? 

A.  Commit  the  keeping  of 
their  souls   to  him  in  well- 


doing,   as    unto    a    faithful 
Creator.     1  Pet.  iv. 

Q.  After  specifying  the  duties 
of  elders  and  others,  what  does 
he  say  about  their  common  en- 
emy? 

A.  Be  sober,  be  vigilant; 
because  your  adversary,  the 
devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walk- 
eth  about,  seeking  whom  he 
may  devour;  whom  resist 
steadfast  in  the  faith.    1  Pet. 

V. 

Q.  How  does  he  recommend 
progress  in  holiness? 

A.  Give  diligence  to  make 
your  calling  and  election 
sure ;  for  if  ye  do  these 
things,  ye  shall  never  fall ; 
for  so  an  entrance  shall  be 
ministered  unto  you  abund- 
antly into  the  everlasting 
kingdom  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  2  Pet.  i. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  of  those 
who  have  escaped  the  pollutions 
of  the  world  through  the  know- 
ledge of  the  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  but  are  again  en- 
tangled therein  and  overcome  ? 

A.  The  latter  end  is  worse 
than  the  beginning.  2  Pet.  ii. 

Q.  After  describing  the  day 
of  judgment,  as  an  incentive  to 
diligence  and  perseverance,  how 
does  he  close  his  second  Epistle  ? 

A.  But  grow  in  grace,  and 
in  the  knowledge  oif  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
To  him  be  glory,  both  now 
and  for  ever.  Amen.  2  Pet. 
iii. 


110 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


LESSON  LXV. 


Q.  After  opening  his  first 
Epistle  b}'  showing  the  com- 
munion believers  have  with  the 
Father  and  the  Son,  what  does 
John  tell  them? 

A.  If  we  say  that  we  have 
no  sin,  we  deceive  ourselves, 
and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 
If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is 
faithful  and  just  to  forgive 
us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us 
from  all  unrighteousness.  1 
John  i. 

Q.  What  injunction  does  he 
give  them? 

A.  My  little  children,  these 
things  write  I  unto  you,  that 
ye  sin  not.  And  if  any  man 
sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with 
the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the 
righteous  ;  and  he  is  the  pro- 
pitiation for  our  sins ;  and 
not  for  ours  only,  but  also 
for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world.     1  John  ii. 

Q.  What  great  fact  excites  his 
astonishment? 

A.  Behold,  what  manner 
of  love  the  Father  hath  be- 
stowed upon  us,  that  we 
should  be  called  the  sons  of 
God.     1  John  iii. 

Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
loving  one  another? 

A.  Beloved,  let  us  love  one 
another ;  for  love  is  of  God  ; 
and  every  one  that  loveth  is 
born  of  God,  and  knoweth 
God.  He  that  loveth  not 
knoweth  not  God ;  for  God  is 
love.     1  John  iv. 


Q.  What  does  he  say  about 
faith  and  prayer  ? 

A.  He  that  believeth  on 
the  Son  of  God  hath  the  wit- 
ness in  himself.  And  this  is 
the  confidence  that  we  have 
in  him,  that  if  we  ask  any 
thing  according  to  his  will,  he 
heareth  us  ;  and  if  we  know 
that  he  hear  us,  whatsoever 
we  ask,  we  know  that  we 
have  the  petitions  that  we 
desired  of  him.     1  John  v. 

Q.  What  does  John  write  to 
the  elect  lady  and  her  children? 

A.  Exhortations  to  love, 
and  cautions  against  false 
teachers.     2  John. 

Q.  What  does  John  write  to 
Gaius? 

A.  He  commends  his  lib- 
erality, censures  the  ambi- 
tion of  Diotrephes,  and 
praises  Demetrius.     3  John. 

Q.  What  does  the  Epistle  of 
Jude  contain? 

A.  Warnings  against  false 
teachers,  and  exhortations  to 
perseverance. 

Q.  Where  was  John  when 
Christ  appeared  to  him  to  in- 
struct him  to  write  the  Revela- 
tion? 

A.  In  the  isle  of  Patmos. 
Rev.  i. 

Q.  To  whom  was  he  directed 
to  write  Epistles? 

A.  To  the  seven  churches 
of  Asia — Ephesus,  Smyrna, 
Pergamos,  Thyatira,  Sardis, 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


Ill 


Philadelphia,  and  Laodicea. 
Rev.  ii.,  iii. 

Q.  Does  he  send  commenda- 
tions and  rebukes,  precepts  and 
warnings,  promises  and  threat- 
enings,  to  all  of  them? 

A.  Yes ;  except  the 
churches  of  Smyrna  and 
Philadelphia,  against  which 
nothing  is  said ;  and  the 
church  of  Laodicea,  which 
had  nothing  to  be  praised. 

Q.  With  what  was  John  then 
favored  ? 

A.  With  a  vision  of  hea- 
ven.    Rev.  iv. 

Q.  What  song  did  he  hear 
sung  by  the  angels,  the  living 
ones,  and  the  elders,  when  the 
Lamb  was  about  to  open  the 
seven-sealed  book? 

A.  "Worthy  is  the  Lamb 
that  was  slain  to  receive  pow- 
er, and  riches,  and  wisdom, 


and  strength,  and  honor,  and 
glory,  and  blessing.     Rev.  v.  . 

Q.  When  he  had  opened  six 
of  the  seals,  what  took  place? 

A.  An  awful  scene,  forc- 
ing his  enemies  to  say  to  the 
mountains  and  rocks,  Fall  on 
us,  and  hide  us  from  the  face 
of  him  that  sitteth  on  the 
throne,  and  from  the  wrath 
of  the  Lamb ;  for  the  great 
day  of  his  Avrath  is  come,  and 
who  shall  be  able  to  stand  ? 
Rev.  vi. 

Q.  What  are  those  which  are 
arrayed  in  white  robes?  and 
Avhence  came  they? 

A.  These  are  they  which 
came  out  of  great  tribula- 
tion, and  have  washed  their 
robes,  and  made  them  white 
in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb, 
who  makes  them  eternally 
happy.     Rev.  vii. 


LESSON    LXYI. 


Q.  After  opening  the  seventh 
seal,  when  there  was  silence  in 
heaven  about  half  an  hour,  what 
took  place  ? 

A.  Seven  trumpets  were 
given  to  seven  angels ;  and 
another  angel  came  before 
the  golden  altar,  with  a 
golden  censer,  having  much 
incense  to  offer  with  the 
prayers  of  all  saints.  Rev. 
viii. 

Q.  "VNTiat  took  place  at  the 
Bounding  of  the  first  six  trum- 
pets? 


A.  Great  troubles  came 
upon  the  earth.     Rev.  ix. 

Q.  What  did  the  angel  who 
stood  upon  the  earth  and  the 
sea  intimate  when  he  caused 
John  to  eat  a  book  which  was 
sweet  in  his  mouth  and  bitter 
after  he  had  swallowed  it? 

A.  The  character  of  his 
future  prophecies.     Rev.  x. 

Q.  What  was  said  by  great 
voices  in  heaven  when  the  sev- 
enth angel  sounded? 

A.  The  kingdoms  of  this 
world  are  become  the  king- 


112 


SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM. 


doms  of  our  Lord,  and  of  his 
Christ;  and  he  shall  reign 
for  ever  and  ever.     Rev.  xi. 

Q.  Who  was  tlie  great  dragon 
that  attempted  to  destroy  the 
womau  and  her  child  ? 

A.  The  old  serpent,  called 
the  Devil,  and  Satan.  Ilev. 
xii. 

Q.  "Who  are  those  that  wor- 
ship the  ])east  with  seven  heads 
iind  ten  horns? 

A.  All  whose  names  are 
not  written  in  the  book  of 
life.     Rev.  xiii. 

Q.  What  did  John  hear  from 
heaven? 

A.  A  voice  saying,  Write, 
Blessed  are  the  dead  which 
die  in  the  Lord  from  hence- 
forth: Yea,  saith  the  Spirit, 
that  they  may  rest  from  their 
labors ;  and  their  works  do 
follow  them.     Rev.  xiv. 

Q.  What  did  he  hear  sung  bv 
those  who  overcame  the  beast? 


A.    The    song    of 
and  of  the  Lamb.     Rev.  xv. 

Q.  What  was  meant  by  the 
pouring  out  of  the  seven 
vials? 

A.  God's  judgments  on  his 
enemies.     Rev.  xvi. 


Q.  When  the  ten  kings  unite 
witli  the  beast  to  make  war  with 
the  Lamb,  Avhat  will  be  the  re- 
sult? 

A.  The  Lamb  shall  over- 
come them ;  for  he  is  Lord 
of  lords,  and  King  of  kings  ; 
and  they  that  are  with  him 
are  called,  and  chosen,  and 
faithful.     Rev.  xvii. 

Q.  What  is  next  described  ? 

A.  The  fall  of  Babylon. 
Rev.  xviii. 

Q.  What  next? 

A.  The  marriage  of  the 
Lamb,  and  the  celebration  of 
his  victories.     Rev.  xix. 

Q.  After  the  binding  and  loos- 
ing and  final  conqiiest  of  Satan, 
what  takes  place  ? 

A.  The  dead,  small  and 
great-,  stand  before  God  to  be 
judged.     Rev.  xx. 

Q.  What  is  next  described  ? 

A.  The  new  Jerusalem 
and  its  citizens.     Rev.  xxi. 

Q.  Who  shall  dwell  in  the  new 
Jerusalem? 

A.  Blessed  are  they  that 
do  his  commandments,  that 
they  may  have  right  to  the 
tree  of  life,  and  may  enter 
in  through  the  gates  into  the 
city.     Rev.  xsii. 


THE    END. 


CATECHISM 


FOR   THE   USE    OF 


THE  METHODIST  MISSIONS, 


INFANT  CLASSES  IN  SUNDAY-SCHOOLS. 


PART  FIRST. 


COMPEEHENDINQ   THE   ELEMENTS    OF   CHRISTIANITY. 


BY  WILLIAM  CAPERS,  D.  D., 

LATJB  ONE  OP  THE  BISH0P3  OF  THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  SOUTH. 


PUBLISHED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONFERENCE. 


REVISED  BY  T.  0.  SUilllERS.  D.  D. 


Kasfibillje,  tRmn.: 

SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 

1861. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1847,  by 

JOHN    EARLY, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Eastern  District  of  Virginia. 


xttutt  ia  tilt  %\h^  (ilriti0n 


The  author  of  this  humble  work  begs  leave  to  ac- 
company it  with  a  few  brief  remarks  to  those  of  his 
brethren  who  may  think  proper  to  use  it. 

1.  It  is  believed  that  a  Catechism  for  the  mass  of 
colored  people,  whether  children  or  adults,  had  better 
be  confined  to  the  rudiments  of  Christian  knowledge, 
simply,  than  difi'used  through  a  wide  range  of  Scrip- 
ture topics,  doctrinal,  historical,  biographical,  etc. ;  our 
object  being  not  barely  to  communicate  knowledge,  but 
such  as  tends  most  to  the  glory  of  God — the  knowledge 
of  salvation. 

2.  The  present  little  work  has  been  composed  under 
a  persuasion  that  the  persons  to  be  instructed  can  more 
easily  conceive  the  truth  than  comprehend  the  terms 
in  which  it  is  apt  to  be  expressed.  We  have  there- 
fore discarded  all  hard  words,  and  aimed  to  present 
truth  in  a  guise  so  simple  as  to  suit  their  capacities. 
This,  however,  is  very  difficult ;  we  can  only  say,  we 
have  done  what  we  could. 

3.  It  is  not  pretended  that  this  Catechism  contains 
all  that  ought  to  be  taught ;  and  yet,  we  fear,  it  will 

(3) 


4  PREFACE. 

be  found  too  full  for  many  learners.  It  is  designed  as 
a  help  to  tlie  missionary  in  his  truly  Christian  work  of 
directing  the  untutored  mind  to  the  knowledge  of  God. 
The  questions  and  answers  may  sometimes  need  expla- 
nation, and  will  often  serve  as  a  text  for  further  in- 
structions and  exhortations.  Other  questions  also  will 
suggest  themselves  in  the  course  of  instruction. 

4.  For  children,  it  may  be  well  to  follow  the  order 
of  the  chapters  as  they  have  been  arranged,  except  the 
tenth  chapter,  which  may  be  brought  in  at  any  place. 
If,  however,  in  some  cases,  there  appears  no  likelihood 
of  children's  getting  through  with  the  whole  Catechism, 
the  missionary  will  select  particular  questions,  and 
arrange  them  into  lessons,  at  his  discretion. 

For  adults,  particularly  on  the  plantations,  it  is  re- 
commended to  begin  with  those  questions  which  are 
marked  with  an  asterisk,  (*.) 

W.  C. 


CATECHISM. 


CHAPTER   I. 


OF   GOD. 


QuES.  Who  made  you  ? 
Ans,  God. 

Q.  What  did  he  make  you  for  ? 
A.  For  his  glory. 
Q.  Who  is  God  ? 

A.  The  Almighty,  maker  of  heaven  and  earth. 
Q.  What  do  you  know  of  him  ? 
A.  God  is  holy,  just,  and  true. 
Q.  What  else  do  you  know  of  him  ? 
A.  God  is  merciful,  good,  and  gracious. 
Q.  How  old  is  he  ? 

A.  God   does   not   grow  old ;   he   always   was,  and 
always  will  be. 

Q.  What  is  he  able  to  do  ? 

A.  God  can  do  all  things. 

Q.  What  does  he  know  ? 

A.  God  knows  all  things. 

Q.  Where  is  he  ? 

A.  God  is  in  heaven,  and  everywhere. 

Q.  Does  he  always  see  us  and  take  notice  of  us  ? 

A.  Yes ;  nothing  can  hide  us  from  God. 

Q.  Does  he  care  for  us  ? 

A.  0  yes ;  God  is  our  Father  in  heaven. 

(5) 


6  CATECHISM.  [PART   I. 

CHAPTER   II. 

THE    CREATION   OF   MAN. 

Q.  What  did  God  make  man  out  of? 

A.  The  dust  of  the  ground. 

Q.  What  does  this  teach  you  ? 

A.  To  be  humble. 

Q.  What  else  does  it  teach  you  ? 

A.  To  remember  I  must  die,  and  my  body  turn  to 
dust  again. 

Q.  But  did  God  make  man's  soul  out  of  the  dust  of 
the  ground  ? 

A.  No  :  only  man's  body  belongs  to  the  dust. 

Q.  How  did  God  make  man's  soul  ? 

A.  With  his  own  breath. 

Q.  Will  your  soul  turn  to  dust  with  your  body  when 
you  die  ? 

A.  No  j  my  soul  cannot  turn  to  dust. 

Q.  When  God  first  made  man,  was  he  good  or  bad  ? 

A.  God  made  man  good,  like  himself. 

Q.  Where  did  God  put  the  first  man  and  woman  ? 

A.  In  the  garden  of  paradise. 

Q.  And  was  that  a  good  place  ? 

A.  Yes  :  every  thing  God  made  was  good. 

Q.  Was  man  happy  in  paradise  ? 

A.  Yes :  every  thing  was  there  to  make  man  happy. 


CHAPTER   III. 

THE   FALL   OP   MAN. 

Q.  What  made  man  fall  from  paradise  ? 

A.  Sin. 

Q.  What  is  sin  ? 


PART   I.]  CATECHISM.  7 

A.  Doing  what  God  says  we  must  not  do. 

Q.  What  did  God  say  the  man  and  woman  must  not 
do  in  paradise? 

A.  He  said  they  must  not  eat  of  the  tree  of  the 
knowledge  of  good  and  evil. 

Q.  And  did  they  eat  of  it  ? 

A.  Yes ;  they  did  eat  of  it. 

Q.  How  did  they  come  to  eat  of  it  ? 

A.  The  devil  tempted  the  woman ;  and  she  did  eat, 
and  gave  to  her  husband,  and  he  did  eat. 

Q.  What  happened  to  them  then  ? 

A.  They  were  good  no  more,  and  God  was  angry 
with  them. 

Q.  And  what  did  God  do  to  them  ? 

A.  He  turned  them  out  of  paradise. 

Q.  What  more  did  he  do  to  them  ? 

A.  He  sentenced  them  to  labor  and  sorrow,  pain 
and  death. 

Q.  Did  they  have  any  children  before  they  sinned 
and  lost  that  good  nature  that  God  made  them  in  ? 

A.  No^  they  sinned  first,  and  their  children  were 
born  in  sin. 

Q.  And  are  all  men  born  sinners  still  ? 

A.  None  are  born  good ;  no,  not  one. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

THE    PROMISE    OP    A    SAVIOUR — CHRIST'S    INCARNA- 
TION— THE   CHILD   JESUS. 

Q.  Who  is  the  Saviour  of  mankind  ? 
A.  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Q.  What  has  he  done  to  save  mankind  ? 
A.  He  came  down  out  of  heaven,  and  suffered  and 
died  on  the  cross. 


8  CATECHISM.  [part  I. 

Q.  Did  he  come,  and  suffer,  and  die  for  men,  as  soon 
as  the  first  man  sinned  ? 

A.  No;  but  he  promised  he  would  come,  and  he 
did  come. 

Q.  Who  is  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ? 

A.  The  Son  of  God. 

Q.  Is  he  God,  then? 

A.  Yes ;  he  is  very  God. 

Q.  But  could  the  Son  of  God  suffer  and  die  ? 

A.  He  came  to  be  man  to  suffer  and  die  for  us. 

Q.  When  he  came  down  from  heaven,  was  he  born  a 
little  child,  and  did  he  grow  up  to  be  a  man,  as  all 
little  children  grow  up  ? 

A.  Yes,  he  did. 

Q.  Who  was  his  mother? 

A.  A  virgin,  named  Mary. 

Q.  Where  was  he  born  ? 

A.  In  Bethlehem,  a  town  in  Judea. 

Q.  What  sort  of  a  place  was  he  born  in  ? 

A.  A  manger,  in  a  stable. 

Q.  How  did  people  know  that  he  was  born  to  be  the 
Saviour  ? 

A.  The  angels  did  tell  it  from  heaven. 

Q.  What  does  the  Scripture  say  about  him  when  he 
was  a  child  ? 

A.  He  was  subject  to  his  parents. 


CHAPTER   V. 

THE   MINISTRY   OP   CHRIST. 

Q.  What  happened  when  Jesus  was  baptized  ? 
A.  Heaven  was  opened,  and  the  Holy  Ghost  came 
down  like  a  dove,  and  lighted  on  him. 
Q.  What  else  happened? 


PART  I.]  CATECHISM.  9 

A.  A  voice  came  from  heaven,  and  said,  This  is  my 
beloved  Son. 

Q.  What  did  our  Lord  Jesus  say  about  himself? 

A.  He  said  he  came  down  from  heaven. 

Q.  What  more  did  he  say  ? 

A.  He  said  he  was  one  with  the  Father. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  to  show  the  people  that  he  was 
G-od  as  well  as  man,  and  was  come  to  save  them  ? 

A.  He  did  great  wonders. 

Q.  Tell  me  some  of  them. 

A.  He  healed  the  sick,  raised  the  dead,  and  cast  out 
devils. 

Q.  Did  the  people  believe  in  him  ? 

A.   Some  did ,  but  many  more  did  not. 

Q.  Why  did  not  all  believe  in  him  ? 

A.  Because  they  loved  sin  more  than  God. 

Q.  What  did  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  do  for  those 
who  believed  in  him  ? 

A.  He  pardoned  their  sins,  and  made  them  true 
Christians. 

Q.  What  did  he  say  about  those  who  would  not  be- 
lieve in  him? 

A.  He  said  they  must  die  in  their  sins. 

Q.   What  did  he  say  about  little  children  ? 

A.   He  said  they  belonged  to  him. 

Q.  What  did  he  do  to  them  ? 

A.   He  took  them  up  in  his  arms  and  blessed  them. 

Q.  What  did  he  preach  to  the  people  ? 

A.  That  they  must  repent  and  believe  the  gospel. 


CHAPTER   VI. 

THE   DEATH   AND   RESURRECTION   OF   CHRIST. 

Q.  How  did  our  Lord  Jesus  die  ? 

A.  Wicked  men  rose  up  and  crucified  him. 


10  CATECHISM.  [PART  I. 

Q.  But  why  did  lie  not  save  himself  from  them  ? 

A.  Because  he  came  into  the  world  to  die  for 
sinners. 

Q.  Did  he  do  nothing  to  those  wicked  men  ? 

A.  He  prayed  for  them. 

Q.  What  happened  when  our  Lord  was  crucified? 

A.  There  was  darkness  over  all  the  land. 

Q.  What  more  happened  ? 

A.  The  earth  did  quake,  and  the  graves  opened. 

Q.  Where  did  they  bury  the  body  of  Jesus  ? 

A.  In  a  grave  cut  out  of  a  rock. 

Q.  What  did  his  enemies  do? 

A.  They  fastened  the  grave,  and  set  soldiers  to 
watch  it. 

Q.  How  long  did  the  body  of  Jesus  lie  in  the 
grave  ? 

A.  Till  the  third  day.  ■ 

Q.  What  happened  when  the  Lord  rose  from  the 
dead? 

A.  A  mighty  angel  came  from  heaven,  and  there 
was  a  great  earthquake. 

Q.  What  else  happened  ? 

A.  The  bodies  of  many  of  the  saints  came  out  of 
their  graves. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

CHRIST     SEEN     BY    THE    DISCIPLES — HIS    ASCENSION 
AND   INTERCESSION. 

Q.  Did  our  Lord  show  himself  after  he  rose  from 
the  dead  ?  ^ 

A.  Yes,  very  often. 

Q.  Who  saw  him  ?  ■• 

A.  All  the  apostles,  and  many  others,^  saw  him.       ;i 


PART  I.]  CATECHISM.  11 

Q.  Were  they  sure  he  was  the  very  same  Jesus  that 
had  been  crucified,  dead,  and  buried? 

A.  Yes ;  they  knew  him  to  be  the  very  same. 

Q.  How  did  they  know  it  ? 

A.  They  talked  with  him,  handled  him,  and  saw  the 
marks  of  the  cross  upon  his  body. 

Q.  What  after  this  became  of  his  body  ? 

A.  He  went  up  in  it  into  heaven. 

Q.  Did  the  body  of  our  Lord  Jesus  go  up  into 
heaven  just  as  it  was  in  the  grave,  without  any  change? 

A.  No ;  it  was  changed  into  a  glorious  body. 

Q.  Did  any  one  see  him  go  up  into  heaven  ? 

A.  Yes;  his  disciples  looked  up  after  him. 

Q.  How  did  he  go  up? 

A.  A  cloud  parted  him  from  them,  and  he  went  up 
into  heaven. 

Q.  Does  he  now  do  any  thing  for  us  in  heaven  ? 

A.  He  ever  lives  to  pray  for  us. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 


THE   JUDGMENT. 


Q.  Will  the  Lord  Jesus  come  down  again  out  of 
heaven  ? 

A.  Yes,  at  the  last  day. 

Q.  What  will  he  come  for  ? 

A.  To  judge  all  men. 

Q.  How  will  he  come  ? 

A.  In  glory,  with  all  the  holy  angels. 

Q.  What  will  happen  then  ? 

A.  The  trumpet  shall  sound  and  the  dead  shall  be 
raised. 

Q.  What  will  be  done  to  those  who  will  be  alive  at 
that  day  ? 


12  CATECHISM.  [PART  I. 

A.  They  shall  be  changed  in  a  moment. 

Q.  What  will  happen  to  the  world  ? 

A.  The  heavens  shall  pass  away  with  a  great  noise, 
and  the  earth  shall  be  burned  up. 

Q.  What  will  become  of  mankind  then? 

A.  The  righteous  shall  be  taken  up  into  heaven; 
but  the  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell. 


CHAPTEK   IX. 

WHO   ARE   RIGHTEOUS — HOW   WE   BECOME   AND 
CONTINUE    SO. 

Q.  Who  will  be  reckoned  righteous  in  the  day  of 
judgment  ? 

A.  Such  as  believe  the  gospel  and  live  by  it. 

Q.  What  will  become  of  little  children,  and  those 
who  know  not  right  from  wrong  ? 

A.  They  will  be  reckoned  righteous  for  Christ's 
sake. 

Q.  How  must  we  believe  the  gospel,  so  that  it  may 
make  us  righteous  ? 

A.  We  must  take  it  to  our  hearts  for  God's  truth, 
and  love  it. 

Q.  Can  we  turn  our  own  hearts  to  believe  the  gospel, 
and  love  it  ? 

A.  No  :  we  must  pray  for  grace  to  turn  our  hearts. 

Q.  Who  works  this  grace  in  us  to  turn  our  hearts? 

A.  The  Holy  Ghost. 

Q.  Can  our  sins  be  forgiven  us? 

A.  Yes,  for  Christ's  sake. 

Q.  What  must  we  do  for  our  sins  to  be  forgiven  ? 

A.  God  will  forgive  us,  only  for  Christ's  sake. 

Q.  But  will  he  forgive  us  if  we  take  no  pains 
about  it  ? 


PART  I.]  CATECHISM.  13 

A.  No;  we  must  confess  our  sins,  and  pray,  be- 
lieving in  Jesus. 

Q.  But  must  not  our  hearts  be  sorry,  and  hate  sin  ? 

A.  Yes ;  we  must  be  sorry,  and  hate  sin,  and  put  it 
away  from  us. 

Q.   How  can  we  do  all  this  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Ghost  works  in  us  to  feel  right  and 
do  right. 

Q.  If  our  sins  are  forgiven,  and  we  get  a  new  heart, 
can  we  fall  away  and  lose  it  ? 

A.  Yes  :  Adam  fell  away,  and  Judas  fell  away,  and 
we  can  fall  too. 

Q.  How  must  we  live  so  as  not  to  fall  from  God's 
grace  ? 

A.  We  must  deny  ourselves,  and  take  up  our  cross 
daily,  and  follow  Jesus. 


CHAPTER   X. 

PARTICULAR    DUTIES. 

Q.  What  is  your  duty  to  God  ? 

A.  To  love  him  with  all  my  heart,  and  soul,  and 
strength,  and  so  to  worship  him  and  serve  him. 

Q.  What  is  a  child's  duty  to  his  father  and  mother? 

A.  To  love  them,  honor  them,  comfort  them,  and 
mind  what  they  say. 

Q.  What  is  a  servant's  duty  to  his  master  and  mis- 
tress ? 

A.  To  serve  them  with  a  good  will  heartily,  and  not 
with  eye-service. 

Q.  What  is  the  duty  of  a  husband  to  his  wife  ? 

A.  To  love  her  and  cherish  her,  as  Christ  loves  the 
Church. 

Q.  What  is  the  duty  of  a  wife  to  her  husband  ? 


14  CATECHISM.  [part  I. 

A.  To  honor  and  love  him,  as  her  head. 

Q.  What  is  the  duty  of  brothers  and  sisters  ? 

A.  To  be  patient,  kind,  and  loving  to  one  another. 

Q.  What  is  your  duty  to  all  men  ? 

A.  To  do  to  them  as  I  would  have  them  do  to 
me. 

Q.  What  is  your  duty  to  your  enemies  ? 

A.  To  love  them,  and  pray  for  them. 

Q.  What  is  your  duty  to  those  who  do  you  any 
wrong  ? 

A.  To  forgive  them,  as  I  pray  God  to  forgive  me. 

Q.  What  is  the  duty  of  parents  to  their  children  ? 

A.  To  be  tender  to  them,  and  bring  them  up  in  the 
fear  of  God. 


CHAPTEK   XI. 

THE   CREED. 

*  Q.  What  is  your  belief? 

A.  I  believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker 
of  heaven  and  earth ;  and  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only 
Son  our  Lord ;  who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary  •  sufi'ered  under  Pontius  Pilate, 
was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried ;  the  third  day  he  rose 
again  from  the  dead;  he  ascended  into  heaven,  and 
sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty ; 
from  thence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the 
dead;  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  holy  Catholic 
Church,  the  communion  of  saints ;  the  forgiveness  of 
sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the  body ;  and  the  life  ever- 
lasting.    Amen. 

*  Q.  You  believe  in  God  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost;  arc  these  three  Gods,  or  only 
one  God  ? 


PART  I.]  CATECHISM.  15 

A.  The  Father,  and  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
are  one  God. 

*  Q.  Can  you  tell  how  these  three  are  one  God  ? 

A.  No ;  we  cannot  find  out  God. 

*Q.  How,  then,  can  you  believe  that  it  is  so? 

A.  Because  God  says  it  is  so. 

Q.  You  believe  that  the  Son  of  God  was  conceived 
by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary :  can 
you  tell  how  that  could  be  ? 

A.  No ;  but  God  knows ;  nothing  is  hard  for  him. 

Q.  Who  was  Pontius  Pilate  ? 

A.  The  governor  that  let  the  Jews  crucify  Jesus. 

Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  the  Catholic  Church  ? 

A.  It  means  the  Church  of  Christ. 

Q.  Who  belong  to  this  Church  ? 

A.  All  true  Christians. 

Q.  What  makes  us  call  it  the  Catholic  Church  ? 

A.  Because  it  is  free  for  all  people,  if  they  repent 
and  believe  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 


CHAPTER   XII. 

THE   SACRAMENTS. 

*Q.  What  is  baptism? 

A.  Baptism  is  a  sign  of  the  grace  of  God  that  makes 
us  Christians. 

*  Q.  Does  baptism  make  us  Christians  ? 

A.  No ;    water  cannot  make  us  Christians :    grace 
makes  us  Christians. 

*  Q.  Who  works  that  grace  in  us  to  make  us  Chris- 
tians ? 

A.  The  Holy  Ghost. 

*  Q.  What  do  you  promise  when  you  come  to  be 
baptized  ? 


16  CATECHISM.  [part  I. 

A.  I  promise  to  renounce  the  devil,  and  the  world, 
and  the  flesh,  so  that  I  will  not  live  in  sin  any- 
longer. 

*  Q,  What  other  promise  do  you  make  ? 

A.  I  promise  to  constantly  believe  God's  holy  word. 

*  Q.  What  else  do  you  promise  ? 

A.  I  promise  to  keep  God's  holy  will  and  command- 
ments. 

*  Q.   How  can  you  keep  these  promises  ? 
A.  I  can  keep  them  only  by  God's  grace. 

*  Q.  Ought  little  children  to  be  baptized  ? 
A.  Yes ;  they  belong  to  Christ. 

*  Q.  What  is  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
taken  for  ? 

A.  In  remembrance  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who 
died  for  us. 

^'  Q.  What  does  the  bread  of  this  holy  sacrament 
show  to  us  ? 

A.  It  shows  Christ's  body  broken  for  us. 

*  Q.  What  does  the  cup  show  us  ? 
A.  The  blood  of  Christ  shed  for  us. 

*  Q.  Who  ought  to  take  this  sacrament  ? 
A.  All  Christian  people. 

*  Q.  How  often  ought  we  to  take  it  ? 
A.  As  often  as  we  can. 

*  Q.  How  ought  we  to  take  it  ? 

A.  With  an  humble,  loving  heart,  sorry  for  sin. 

*  Q.  Is  it  not  very  wicked  for  people  to  take  the 
sacrament  when  they  live  in  known  sin ;  and,  in  par- 
ticular, if  they  have  any  quarrel,  or  grudge  against  one 
another  ? 

A.  Yes ;  if  we  take  the  sacrament  so,  we  make  it 
worse  for  us. 


PART  I.]  CATECHISM.  17 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name  :  thy  kingdom  come  :  thy  will  be  done  on  earth, 
as  it  is  in  heaven :  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread ; 
and  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  them  that 
trespass  against  us ;  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation, 
but  deliver  us  from  evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom, 
and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 


THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS. 

I. 

Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 


fe^ 


II. 

Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image, 
or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above, 
or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water 
under  the  earth :  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to 
them,  nor  serve  them;  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a 
jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon 
the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation  of 
them  that  hate  me;  and  showing  mercy  unto  thousands 
of  them  that  love  me  and  keep  my  commandments. 

III. 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God 
in  vain ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that 
taketh  his  name  in  vain. 


18  CATECHISM.  [PART   I. 

ly. 

Remember  the  Sabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six 
days  shalt  thou  labor  and  do  all  thy  work;  but  the 
seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God :  in  it 
thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor 
thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-servant, 
nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy 
gates;  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the 
seventh  day;  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath- 
day,  and  hallowed  it. 


Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother ;  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee. 

VI. 

Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

VII. 
Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

VIII. 
Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX. 

Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy  neigh- 
bor. 


Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house,  thou 
shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  man- 
servant, nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass, 
nor  any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbor's. 


PART  I.]  CATECHISM.  19 


SELECT  PASSAGES  OF  SCRIPTURE. 

THE   lord's    supper. 

The  Lord  Jesus,  tlie  same  niglit  that  he  was  be- 
trayed, took  bread,  and  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he 
brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat;  this  is  my  body,  which 
is  broken  for  you :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me. 
After  the  same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup,  when  he 
had  supped,  saying.  This  cup  is  the  New  Testament  in 
my  blood :  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remem- 
brance of  me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and 
drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord's  death  till  he 
come.  Wherefore,  whosoever  shall  eat  this  bread,  and 
drink  this  cup  of  the  Lord,  unworthily,  shall  be  guilty 
of  the  body  and  blood  of  the  Lord.  But  let  a  man 
examine  himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread  and 
drink  of  that  cup.     1  Cor.  xi.  23-28. 

DUTY   TO   A   brother   OR    SISTER   IN    THE   CHURCH. 

Moreover,  if  thy  brother  shall  trespass  against  thee, 
go  and  tell  him  his  fault  between  thee  and  him  alone; 
if  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast  gained  thy  brother. 
But  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take  with  thee  one 
or  two  more,  that  in  the  mouth  of  two  or  three  wit- 
nesses every  word  may  be  established.  And  if  he 
shall  neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  Church ; 
but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the  Church,  let  him  be  unto 
thee  as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican.  Matt,  xviii. 
15-17. 

DUTIES   OP   HUSBANDS   AND   WIVES. 

Wives,  submit  yourselves  unto  your  own  husbands, 
as  unto  the  Lord.     For  the  husband  is  the  head  of  the 


20  CATECHISM.  [part  I. 

wife^  even  as  Christ  is  the  head  of  the  Church.  There- 
fore, as  the  Church  is  subject  unto  Christ,  so  let  the 
wives  be  to  their  own  husbands  in  every  thing. 

Husbands,  love  your  wives,  even  as  Christ  also  loved 
the  Church,  and  gave  himself  for  it.  .  .  .  So  ought 
men  to  love  their  wives  as  their  own  bodies.  He  that 
loveth  his  wife  loveth  himself.  .  .  .  Let  every  one 
of  you,  in  particular,  so  love  his  wife  even  as  himself; 
and  the  wife  see  that  she  reverence  her  husband. 
Eph.  v.  22-33. 

DUTIES   OP   PARENTS   AND   CHILDREN. 

Children,  obey  your  pareuts,  in  the  Lord  -,  for  this  is 
right.  Honor  thy  father  an^  mother,  that  it  may  be 
well  with  thee,  and  thou  mayest  live  long  on  the 
earth. 

And  ye,  fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to  wrath ; 
but  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord.     Eph.  vi.  1-14. 


DUTY   OF   SERVANTS. 

Servants,  be  obedient  to  them  that  are  your  masters 
according  to  the  flesh,  with  fear  and  trembling,  in 
singleness  of  your  heart,  as  unto  Christ;  not  with 
eye-service,  as  men-pleasers ;  but  as  the  servants  of 
Christ,  doing  the  will  of  God  from  the  heart.  Eph. 
vi.  5,  6. 

Let  as  many  servants  as  are  under  the  yoke  count 
their  own  masters  worthy  of  all  honor,  that  the  name 
of  Grod,  and  his  doctrine,  be  not  blasphemed.  And 
they  that  have  believing  masters,  let  them  not  despise 
them,  because  they  are  JDrethren ;  but  rather  do  them 
service,  because  they  are  faithful  and  beloved,  par- 
takers of  the  benefit.  These  things  teach  and  exhort. 
1  Tim.  vi.  1,  2. 


PART  I.]  CATECHISM.  21 


DUTY  TO  THOSE  WHO  INJURE  US. 

Ye  have  heard  tliat  it  hatli  been  said,  An  eye  for  an 
eye,  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth ;  but  I  say  unto  you,  That 
ye  resist  not  evil ;  but  whosoever  shall  smite  thee  on 
thy  right  cheek,  turn  to  him  the  other  also.  .  .  . 
Love  your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse  you,  do  good 
to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which 
despitefully  use  you,  and  persecute  you.  Matt.  v. 
38-44. 

OUR   DUTY   TO   ALL   MEN. 

All  things  whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should  do 
unto  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them ;  for  this  is  the  law 
and  the  prophets.     Matt.  vii.  12. 

OP   ADULTERY. 

Ye  have  heard  that  it  was  said  by  them  of  old  time. 
Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery.  But  I  say  unto  you, 
That  whosoever  looketh  on  a  woman  to  lust  after  her, 
hath  committed  adultery  with  her  already  in  his  heart. 
Matt.  V.  27,  28. 

The  Pharisees  also  came  unto  him,  tempting  him, 
and  saying  unto  him,  Is  it  lawful  for  a  man  to  put 
away  his  wife  for  every  cause  ?  And  he  answered  and 
said  unto  them,  Have  ye  not  read  that  he  which  made 
them  at  the  beginning,  made  them  male  and  female ; 
and  said.  For  this  cause  shall  a  man  leave  father  and 
mother,  and  shall  cleave  to  his  wife ;  and  they  twain 
shall  be  one  flesh  ?  What  therefore  God  ha,th  joined 
together,  let  not  man  put  asunder.  And  1  say  unto 
you.  Whosoever  shall  put  away  his  wife,  except  it  be 
for  fornication,  and  shall  marry  another,  committeth 
adultery ;  and  whoso  marrieth  her  which  is  put  away 
doth  commit  adultery.    Matt.  xix.  3-9. 


22  CATECHISM.  [part  I. 


AGAINST   THEFT   AND    OTHER   CRIMES. 

Every  one  that  stealetli  shall  be  cut  off.     Zech.  v.  3. 

Whoso  is  partner  with  a  thief  hateth  his  own  soul. 
Prov.  xxix.  24. 

By  swearing,  and  lying,  and  killing,  and  stealing, 
and  committing  adultery,  they  break  out,  and  blood 
toucheth  blood.  Therefore  shall  the  land  mourn,  and 
every  one  that  dwelleth  therein  shall  languish.  Hosea 
iv.  2,  3. 

Know  ye  not  that  the  unrighteous  shall  not  inherit 
the  kingdom  of  God  ?  Be  not  deceived.  Neither 
fornicators,  nor  idolaters,  nor  adulterers,  nor  effeminate, 
nor  abusers  of  themselves  with  mankind,  nor  thieves, 
nor  covetous,  nor  drunkards,  nor  revilers,  nor  extor- 
tioners, shall  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God.  1  Cor.  vi. 
9,  10. 

AGAINST   SWEARING   AND    SABBATH-BREAKING. 

But  above  all  things,  my  brethren,  swear  not;  neither 
by  heaven,  neither  by  the  earth,  neither  by  any  other 
oath ;  but  let  your  yea  be  yea,  and  your  nay  nay,  lest 
ye  fall  into  condemnation.     James  v.  12. 

Ye  bring  more  wrath  upon  Israel,  by  profaning  the 
Sabbath.    Neh.  xiii.  18. 

AGAINST  LYING. 

All  LIARS  shall  have  their  part  in  the  lake  that 
burneth  with  fire  and  brimstone,  which  is  the  second 
death.    K,ev.  xxi.  8. 

Blessed  are  they  that  do  his  commandments,  that 
they  may  have  a  right  to  the  tree  of  life,  and  may 
enter  in  through  the  gates  into  the  city,  (heaven.') 
For  without  are  dogs,  and  sorcerers,  and  whoremongers, 
and  murderers,  and  idolaters,  and  whosoever  loveth 
AND  maketh  a  lie.     Bcv.  xxii.  14,  15. 


PART   I.]  CATECHISM.  23 

ORIGINAL   HYMKS. 


HYMN  1.  4  lines  7s. 

1  Children,  join  with  one  accord, 
Join  in  praises  to  the  Lord  : 
Join  to  sing  the  Saviour's  name, 
Sing  hosanna  to  the  Lamb. 

2  Hail  him  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King ; 
Louder,  sweeter,  children,  sing: 

Hail  him  by  his  fav'rite  name, 
Sing  hosanna  to  the  Lamb. 

3  Men,  and  women,  join  to  raise 
Loud  hosannas  to  his  praise  : 
Praise  the  great  Redeemer's  name, 
Sing  hosanna  to  the  Lamb. 

4  Praise  him,  all  ye  hosts  above. 
Praise  him,  praise  him  for  his  love : 
Glory  give  to  Jesus'  name. 
Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb. 

HYMN  2.  8  lines  7s. 

1  May  a  little  child  at  prayer 
Hope  to  meet  with  Jesus  there  ? 
Tell  me,  Christians,  can  it  be  ? 
Can  the  Lord  come  down  to  me  ? 
When,  alas  !  I  have  been  bad, 
And  my  heart  feels  sore  and  sad, 
And  I  know  not  what  to  say. 
Will  he  bless  me  if  I  pray  ? 

2  Yes :  he  '11  meet  thee,  little  one : 
Bid  thy  doubts  and  fears  be  gone : 
Yes,  he'll  bless  thee  if  thou  pray, 
Though  thou  know'st  not  what  to  say. 
For  the  love  he  bears  to  thee, 

By  the  cross  on  Calvary, 

He  will  meet  thee,  he  will  bless, 

He  will  bid  thee  go  in  peace. 


CATECHISM.  [PART  I. 


HYMN  3.  C.  M. 

1  As  Jesus  his  disciples  taught 
His  Father's  will  to  do, 

Parents  their  little  children  brought, 
That  he  might  bless  them  too. 

2  "Forbid  them,"  the  disciples  cried, 
"Nor  make  them  any  room:" 

"Foi'bid  them  not,"  the  Lord  replied, 
"But  suffer  them  to  come. 

3  "Who  than  the  lambs,  the  Shepherd's  care, 
More  fitly  might  receive  ? 

And  these  my  heavenly  kingdom  share . 
I  bless  them,  and  they  live." 

4  Then  in  his  arms  he  took  them  up, 
And  on  them  laid  his  hands : 

Joy  to  the  world  for  Israel's  hope, 
And  Jesus'  kind  commands. 


HYMN  4.  S.  M. 

1  There  is  a  narrow  way 

That  leads  to  heaven  and  God  ; 
But  sinners  love  to  go  astray. 
And  take  a  broader  road. 

2  They  will  not  seek  the  Lord, 
And  pray  to  be  forgiven : 

They  will  not  mind  his  holy  word. 
And  so  they  miss  of  heaven. 

3  Lord,  we  are  sinners,  too  : 
But  0,  our  sins  forgive  ! 

And  teach  us  what  we  ought  to  do, 
And  how  we  ought  to  live ! 

HYMN  5.  L.  M. 

1  In  every  place     The  God  of  grace 
Is  very  near     To  hear  our  prayer ; 
And  all  we  say,     By  night  or  day, 
And  all  we  do,     He  knows  it  too. 


PART  I.]  CATECHISM.  25 

2  Then  let  us  try    From  sin  to  fly, 
And  speak  and  do     What 's  right  and  true  ; 
And  since  God  hears     Our  humble  prayers, 
Still  let  us  pray,     Both  night  and  day. 


HYMN  6.  S.  M. 

1  Lord,  teach  me  how  to  pray 
Teach  me  to  love  it  too  : 

And  grant  thy  Holy  Spirit  may 
Make  all  my  nature  new. 

2  I  want  to  be  thy  child, 

I  want  my  sins  forgiven : 
I  want  a  spirit  meek  and  mild, 
I  want  to  get  to  heaven. 

3  Do  show  me,  Lord,  the  way ; 
And  guide  me  on  the  road  ; 

And  let  me  never  go  astray 
Till  I  get  home  to  God. 


HYMN  7.  L.  M. 

1  Alas  !  how  soon,  and  we  must  die ! 
We  fear  to  think  of  death  so  nigh: 
Our  body  dust,  our  life  a  breath, 
Alas  !  how  soon  we  sink  in  death  !  ' 

2  But  let  us  humbly  trust  the  Lord, 
And  love  his  grace,  and  mind  his  word ; 
The  dust  shall  rise,  and  death  may  be 
The  gate  of  heaven  to  you  and  me. 


26  CATECHISM.  [part  I. 


SELECTED 


HYMN  8.  4  lines  7s. 

1  Poor  and  needy  though  I  be, 
God,  my  Maker,  cares  for  me : 
Gives  me  clothing,  shelter,  food ; 
Gives  me  all  I  have  of  good. 

2  He  will  listen  when  I  pray, 
He  is  with  me  night  and  day. 
When  I  sleep,  and  when  I  wake, 
Keeps  me  safe  for  Jesus'  sake. 

3  He  who  reigns  above  the  sky 
Once  became  as  poor  as  I : 

He  whose  blood  for  me  was  shed 
Had  not  where  to  lay  his  head. 

Though  I  labor  here  a  while. 
He  will  bless  me  with  a  smile  ; 
And  when  this  short  life  is  past, 
I  shall  rest  with  him  at  last. 


HYMN  9.  C.  M. 

1  0  that  the  Lord  would  guide  my  ways, 
To  keep  his  precepts  still ! 

0  that  my  God  would  grant  me  grace 
To  know  and  do  his  will ! 

2  0  send  thy  Spirit  down  to  write 
Thy  law  upon  my  heart ! 

Nor  let  my  tongue  indulge  deceit, 
Nor  act  the  liar's  part ! 

3  Make  me  to  walk  in  thy  commands, 
'Tis  a  delightful  road : 

Nor  let  my  feet,  or  heart,  or  hands, 
Offend  against  my  God. 


CATECHISM.  27 


HYMN  10.  L.  M. 

1  This  day  belongs  to  God  alone, 
He  chooses  Sunday  for  his  own ; 
And  we  must  neither  work  nor  play, 
Because  it  is  the  Sabbath-day. 

2  'Tis  well  to  have  one  day  in  seven. 
That  we  may  learn  the  way  to  heaven ; 
Or  else  we  never  should  have  thought 
About  religion  as  we  ought. 

3  Then  let  us  spend  it  as  we  should, 
In  serving  God  and  being  good; 
And  not  forget  when  Sunday  's  gone 
What  texts  the  sermons  were  upon. 

4  We  ought,  to-day,  to  learn  and  seek  J 
What  we  may  think  of  all  the  week,  M 
And  be  the  better  every  day 

For  what  we  hear  our  teachers  say. 

5  And  every  Sabbath  should  be  passed  j 
As  if  we  knew  it  were  our  last ;  m 
For  what  would  dying  sinners  give  « 
To  have  one  Sabbath  more  to  live ! 


HYMN  11.  8,  7,  8,  7,  4,  7. 

1  Come,  ye  sinners,  poor  and  needy, 
Weak  and  wounded,  sick  and  sore, 

Jesus  ready  stands  to  save  you. 
Full  of  pity,  love,  and  power : 

He  is  able. 
He  is  willing  :  doubt  no  more. 

2  Now,  ye  needy,  come,  and  welcome, 
God's  free  bounty  glorify : 

True  belief,  and  true  repentance. 
Every  grace  that  brings  you  nigh, 

Without  money, 
Come  to  Jesus  Christ  and  buy. 

3  Come,  ye  weary,  heavy  laden. 
Bruised  and  mangled  by  the  fall, 

If  you  tarry  till  you  're  better. 
You  will  never  come  at  all : 

Not  the  righteous. 
Sinners  Jesus  came  to  call. 


I 


28  CATECHISM.  [PART  I. 

HYMN  12.  6,  6,  6,  6,  8,  8. 

1  Arise,  my  soul,  arise, 
Shake  off  thy  guilty  fears ; 

The  bleeding  Sacrifice 
In  thy  behalf  appears : 
Before  the  throne  my  Surety  stands. 
My  name  is  written  on  his  hands. 

2  He  ever  lives  above. 
For  me  to  intercede ; 

His  all-redeeming  love. 

His  precious  blood,  to  plead : 
His  blood  atoned  for  all  our  race, 
And  sprinkles  now  the  throne  of  grace. 

3  Five  bleeding  wounds  he  bears, 
Received  on  Calvary : 

They  pour  effectual  prayers. 
They  strongly  speak  for  me : 
Forgive  him,  0  forgive,  they  cry, 
Nor  let  that  ransomed  sinner  die. 

4  The  Father  hears  him  pray, 
His  dear  anointed  One : 

He  cannot  turn  away 
The  presence  of  his  Son : 
The  Spirit  answers  to  the  blood. 
And  tells  me  I  am  born  of  God. 

6  My  God  is  reconciled. 

His  pard'ning  voice  I  hear : 
He  owns  me  for  his  child, 
I  can  no  longer  fear : 
With  confidence  I  now  draw  nigh. 
And  Father,  Abba,  Father,  cry. 

HYMN  13.  C.  M. 

1  Alas !  and  did  my  Saviour  bleed  ? 
And  did  my  Sovereign  die  ? 

Would  he  devote  that  sacred  head 
For  such  a  worm  as  I? 

2  Was  it  for  crimes  that  I  have  done 
He  groaned  upon  the  tree  ? 

Amazing  pity  !  grace  unknown  ! 
And  love  beyond  degree  ! 


CATECHISM.  29 

3  Well  might  the  sun  in  darkness  hide, 
And  shut  his  glories  in, 

When  Christ,  the  mighty  Maker,  died, 
For  man,  the  creature's,  sin ! 

4  Thus  might  I  hide  my  blushing  face. 
While  his  dear  cross  appears  ; 

Dissolve  my  heart  in  thankfulness, 
And  melt  mine  eyes  to  tears. 

5  But  drops  of  grief  can  ne'er  repay 
The  debt  of  love  I  owe : 

Here,  Lord,  I  give  myself  away, 
'Tis  all  that  I  can  do. 

HYMN  14.  7s. 

1  Loving  Jesus,  gentle  Lamb, 
In  thy  gracious  hands  I  am  : 
Make  me,  Saviour,  what  thou  art, 
Live  thyself  within  my  heart. 

2  I  shall  then  ehow  forth  thy  praise. 
Serve  thee  all  my  happy  days : 
Then  the  world  shall  always  see 
Christ,  the  holy  Child,  in  me. 

HYMN  15.  L.  M. 

1  Jesus,  my  all,  to  heaven  is  gone, 
He  whom  I  fix  my  hopes  upon : 
His  track  I  see,  and  I'll  pursue 
The  narrow  way,  till  him  I  view. 

2  The  way  the  holy  prophets  went. 
The  road  that  leads  from  banishment, 
The  King's  highway  of  holiness, 

I'll  go,  for  all  his  paths  are  peace. 

3  This  is  the  way  I  long  have  sought, 
And  mourned  because  I  found  it  not : 
My  grief  a  burden  long  has  been. 
Because  I  was  not  saved  from  sin. 

4  The  more  I  strove  against  its  power, 
I  felt  its  weight  and  guilt  the  more ; 
Till  late  I  heard  my  Saviour  say. 
Come  hither,  soul,  I  am  the  way. 


30  CATECHISM.  [part  I. 

5  Lo !  glad  I  come,  and  thou,  blest  Lamb, 
Shalt  take  me  to  thee  as  I  am  ; 
Nothing  but  sin  have  I  to  give, 
Nothing  but  love  shall  I  receive. 

6  Then  will  I  tell  to  sinners  round 
What  a  dear  Saviour  1  have  found ; 
I'll  point  to  thy  redeeming  blood, 
And  say.  Behold  the  way  to  God ! 

HYMN  16.  C.  M. 

1  When  I  can  read  my  title  clear 
To  mansions  in  the  skies, 

1  '11  bid  farewell  to  every  fear, 

And  wipe  my  weeping  eyes. 

2  Should  earth  against  my  soul  engage. 
And  fiery  darts  be  hurled, 

Then  I  can  smile  at  Satan's  rage, 
And  face  a  frowning  world. 

3  Let  cares,  like  a  wild  deluge,  come, 
Let  storms  of  sorrow  fall, 

So  I  but  safely  reach  my  home. 
My  God,  my  heaven,  my  all. 

4  There  I  shall  bathe  my  weary  soul 
In  seas  of  heavenly  rest, 

And  not  a  wave  of  trouble  roll 
Across  my  peaceful  breast. 

HYMN  17.  C.  M. 

1  Am  I  a  soldier  of  the  cross, 
A  follower  of  the  Lamb  ? 

And  shall  I  fear  to  own  his  cause, 
Or  blush  to  speak  his  name  ? 

2  Must  I  be  carried  to  the  skies 
On  flowery  beds  of  ease. 

While  others  fought  to  win  the  prize, 
And  sailed  through  bloody  seas  ? 

3  Are  there  no  foes  for  me  to  face  ? 
Must  I  not  stem  the  flood  ? 

Is  this  vile  world  a  friend  to  grace, 
To  help  me  on  to  God  ? 


PART  I.]  CATECHISM.  31 

4  Sure  I  must  fight  if  I  would  reign : 
Increase  my  courage,  Lord : 

I  '11  bear  the  toil,  endure  the  pain, 
Supported  by  thy  word. 

5  Thy  saints  in  all  this  glorious  war 
Shall  conquer,  though  they  die  : 

They  see  the  triumph  from  afar, 
By  faith  they  bring  it  nigh. 

6  When  that  illustrious  day  shall  rise. 
And  all  thy  armies  shine, 

In  robes  of  victory,  through  the  skies. 
The  glory  shall  be  thine. 

HYMN  18.  S.  M. 

1  Hungry,  and  faint,  and  poor, 
Behold  us.  Lord,  again. 

Assembled  at  thy  mercy's  door, 
Thy  bounty  to  obtain. 

2  Thy  word  invites  us  nigh, 
Or  we  should  starve,  indeed ; 

For  we  no  money  have  to  buy. 
No  righteousness  to  plead. 

3  The  food  our  spirits  want 
Thy  hand  alone  can  give ; 

0  hear  the  prayer  of  faith,  and  grant 
That  we  may  eat  and  live. 

HYMN  19.  S.  M. 

1  A  charge  to  keep  I  have, 
A  God  to  glorify ; 

A  never-dying  soul  to  save, 
And  fit  it  for  the  sky ; 

2  To  serve  the  present  age, 

My  calling  to  fulfil ;—  j 

0  may  it  all  my  powers  engage  M 

To  do  my  Master's  will !  m 

3  Arm  me  with  jealous  care, 
As  in  thy  sight  to  live ; 

And  0,  thy  servant,  Lord,  prepare 
A  strict  account  to  give ! 


32  CATECHISM.  [PART  I. 

4  Help  me  to  watch  and  pray, 
And  on  thyself  rely 
Assured  if  I  my  trust  betray, 
I  shall  for  ever  die. 

HYMN  20.  8,  7. 

1  Come,  thou  Fount  of  every  blessing, 
Tune  my  heart  to  sing  thy  grace  : 

Streams  of  mercy,  never  ceasing. 

Call  for  songs  of  loudest  praise. 
Teach  me  some  melodious  sonnet. 

Sung  by  flaming  tongues  above : 
Praise  the  mount — I  'm  fixed  upon  it — 

Mount  of  thy  redeeming  love. 

2  Here  I'll  raise  my  Ebenezer, 
Hither  by  thy  help  I'm  come; 

And  I  hope,  by  thy  good  pleasure, 

Safely  to  arrive  at  home. 
Jesus  sought  me  when  a  stranger, 

Wandering  from  the  fold  of  God : 
He,  to  rescue  me  from  danger. 

Interposed  his  precious  blood. 

3  0  to  grace  how  great  a  debtor 
Daily  I'm  constrained  to  be! 

Let  thy  goodness,  like  a  fetter, 
Bind  my  wandering  heart  to  thee. 

Prone  to  wander,  Lord,  I  feel  it. 
Prone  to  leave  the  God  I  love, — 

Here's  my  heart:  0  take  and  seal  it, 
Seal  it  for  thy  courts  above. 


L.  M. 

Praise  God,  from  whom  all  blessings  flow ; 
Praise  him,  all  creatures  here  below ; 
Praise  him  above,  ye  heavenly  host ; 
Praise  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 

C.  M. 

Now  let  the  Father,  and  the  Son, 

And  Spirit  be  adored, 
Where  there  are  works  to  make  him  known, 

Or  saints  to  love  the  Lord 


CATECHISM 


FOR   THE    USE    OF 


THE   METHODIST   MISSIONS 


PART*  SECOND. 

COMPREHENDING   A    BRIEF    OUTLINE    OF   THE    HISTORY 
OF   REDEMPTION. 


BY  WILLIAM   CAPERS,  D.  D., 

LATE   ONE   OP   THE  BISHOPS  OP  THE   METHODIST   EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  SOUTH. 


PUBLISHED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  GENERAL  CONFERENCE. 


REVISED  BY  T.  0.  SrAIlIERS,  D.  D. 


Naspill£,  ^tnn.: 
SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHIXG  HOUSE. 

1861. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  tlie  year  of  our  Lord  1S47,  by 

JOHN    EARLY, 

in  the  Clerk's  OflSce  of  the  Eastern  District  of  Virginia. 


CATECHISM 


PART   II. 


CHAPTER   I. 

THE  CREATION  —  ADAM  AND  EVE  —  GOOD  ANGELS  — 
EVIL  ANGELS — HEAVEN — HELL. 

Question.  How  long  did  it  please  God  to  take  for 
the  making  of  heaven  and  earth  ? 

Answer.  Six  days.  And  he  rested  the  seventh 
day  from  all  his  work  which  he  had  made. 

Q.  What  heaven  was  it  that  God  made  when  he 
made  the  earth  ? 

A.  It  was  what  we  see  above  us :  the  sun,  moon, 
and  stars,  and  the  clear  sky. 

Q.  On  which  one  of  the  six  days  did  God  make 
man? 

A,  The  sixth  day;  after  he  had  first  made  every 
thing  that  man  could  want :  light  and  heat,  earth  and 
air,  dry  land  and  water,  grass  and  grain,  herbs  and 
trees,  sun,  moon,  and  stars ;  and  all  fishes,  birds,  and 
beasts. 

Q.  How  good  is  God !  And  when  he  made  man, 
did  he  make  a  great  many  men  at  once,  or  only  one 
man  ? 

A.  Only  one  man  :  Adam,  the  father  of  us  all. 

(3) 


4  CATECHISM.  [part   II. 

Q.  And  liow  did  he  make  tlae  woman  ? 

A.  He  took  a  rib  out  of  the  side  of  the  man,  and 
made  it  a  woman,  the  mother  of  us  all. 

Q.  And  was  this  done  when  God  made  the  man,  or 
was  it  done  afterward? 

A.  Afterward ;  and  not  until  the  Lord  had  planted 
the  garden  of  paradise,  and  put  the  man  in  it  to  dress 
and  keep  it. 

Q.   What  may  we  learn  from  this  ? 

A.  It  may  teach  us  that  the  man  and  the  woman, 
his  wife,  are  one;  and  that  the  man  should  provide 
for  the  woman,  and  the  woman  be  a  help-meet  for  the 
man. 

Q.  Tell  me  the  very  words  of  the  Bible,  about  how 
God  made  man. 

A.  And  the  Lord  God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of 
the  ground,  and  breathed  into  his  nostrils  the  breath 
of  life ;  and  man  became  a  living  soul. 

Q.  Tell  me  the  very  words  about  how  God  made  the 
woman. 

A.  And  the  Lord  God  caused  a  deep  sleep  to  fall 
upon  Adam,  and  he  slept;  and  he  took  one  of  his  ribs, 
and  closed  up  the  flesh  instead  thereof.  And  the  rib, 
which  the  liord  God  had  taken  from  man,  made  he  a 
woman,  and  brought  her  unto  the  man.  And  Adam 
said.  This  is  now  bone  of  my  bones,  and  flesh  of  my 
flesh :  she  shall  be  called  Woman,  because  she  was  taken 
out  of  Man.  Therefore  shall  a  man  leave  his  father 
and  his  mother,  and  shall  cleave  unto  his  wife;  and 
they  shall  be  one  flesh. 

Q.  Is  there  not  another  heaven  besides  that  which 
we  see  above  us  ? 

A.  Yes;  the  heaven  of  heavens — that  good  world 
where  God  is  seen  in  his  glory. 

Q.  But  is  not  God  everywhere  present  ? 

A.  He  is  present  everywhere,  but  we  cannot  see 
him. 


PART   II.J  CATECHISM.  6 

Q.  And  can  they  see  him  in  heaven? 

A.  Yes ;  they  can  see  him,  and  are  like  him.  That 
makes  it  heaven. 

Q.  Where  is  that  heaven;  and  when  did  God 
create  it  ? 

A.  We  cannot  know  where  it  is,  nor  when  it  was 
created ;  for  it  has  not  pleased  God  to  let  us  know. 

Q.  Who  live  in  heaven  ? 

A.  The  good  angels,  and  the  souls  of  men  made 
perfect. 

Q.  What  do  you  know  of  the  angels  ? 

A.  They  are  pure  and  holy  spirits;  the  first  and 
best  of  God's  creatures. 

Q.  Have  they  any  thing  to  do  with  us  ? 

A.  Yes ;  they  are  all  ministering  spirits. 

Q.  But  if  they  are  in  heaven,  how  can  they  minister 
to  us  on  earth  ? 

A.  Because  God  sends  them;  and,  being  spirits, 
they  are  as  quick  as  the  light. 

Q.  But  can  the  angels,  who  are  so  happy  in  heaven, 
be  willing  to  come  to  minister  to  men  on  earth  ? 

A.  They  will  to  do  just  what  God  wills  for  them; 
and  they  love  to  minister  to  us,  because  God  loves  us, 
and  Christ  died  for  us. 

Q.  Are  there  no  evil  angels  ? 

A.  Yes;  there  are  evil  angels,  and  there  is  a  world 
of  evil. 

Q.  What  are  the  evil  angels  commonly  called  ? 

A.  They  are  called  devils;  and  that  evil  world  is 
called  hell — the  bottomless  pit — the  lake  that  burns 
with  fire  and  brimstone. 

Q.  What  is  the  chief  of  the  evil  angels  called  ? 

A.  The  Devil,  Satan,  Beelzebub,  Apollyon,  the 
Serpent,  and  the  Wicked  One. 

Q.  But  did  God  make  that  bad  world  of  fire  and 
brimstone,  and  then  make  evil  angels  to  live  in  it  ? 

A.  Onol     It  would  be  very  wicked  for  us  to  think  so. 


6  CATECHISM.  [PART   II. 

Q.  How  then  did  there  come  to  be  any  evil  angels, 
and  that  evil  world? 

A.  God  made  all  angels  good  and  happy;  but  some 
of  them  sinned,  and  so  made  themselves  devils. 

Q.  And  did  God,  after  that,  prepare  a  place  for 
them  ? 

A.  Yes )  when  they  had  made  themselves  wicked, 
God  cast  them  down  to  hell. 

Q.  Would  there  have  been  any  hell,  if  there  never 
had  been  any  sin'/ 

A.  No;  all  pain  and  misery  comes  from  sin,  both  to 
men  and  devils. 

Q.  You  said  that  heaven  was  for  the  souls  of  good 
men  made  perfect,  as  well  as  for  the  angels,  to  live  in  : 
Will  the  souls  of  bad  men  go  to  that  same  bad  world 
where  the  devils  have  their  place  '/ 

A.  The  very  same. 

Q.  But  can  men  become  as  bad  as  devils,  that  they 
should  go  to  the  same  place  with  them  ? 

A.  Quite  as  bad;  for  if  the  fallen  angels  sinned 
against  more  light,  yet  wicked  men  sin  against  more 
love. 

Q.  You  said  that  the  good  angels  are  ministering 
spirits ;  but  have  the  evil  angels  nothing  to  do  with 
us  ? 

A.  They  do  us  all  the  harm  they  can. 

Q.  What  do  the  Scriptures  teach  us  about  this  ? 

A.  Be  sober,  be  watchful ;  because  your  adversary, 
the  devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walketh  about,  seeking 
whom  he  may  devour. 

Q.  But  there  are  a  great  many  evil  angels,  or  devils, 
and  this  text  mentions  only  one.     How  is  that? 

A.  They  are  all  devils;  and  what  is  said  of  one  is 
true  of  all  the  rest. 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  7 

CHAPTER   II. 

MORE  ABOUT  THE  FIRST   TRANSGRESSION — THE   FIRST 
PROMISE   OF   A    SAVIOUR — PRI3IITIVE  WORSHIP. 

[Might  it  seem  as  if  man  was  turned  out  of  the 
garden  of  paradise  for  but  a  little  thing,  because  it 
was  only  for  eating  the  fruit  of  a  tree  which  God  had 
forbidden  ?  Then  remember  that  all  sin  is  deadly.  It 
takes  but  a  little  poison  to  kill  th^  body,  and  so  also  it 
takes  but  a  little  sin  (if  any  sin  (5an  be  called  little)  to 
kill  the  soul.  But  the  sin  is  great  I'or  us  to  do  any 
thing,  no  matter  what,  that  God  forbids.  And  what 
think  you  ?  if  one  commits  sin  in  what  seems  to  be  a 
little  matter,  but  does  it  for  very  little,  almost  for 
nothing,  is  he  not  more  guilty  than  if  he  had  sinned 
for  some  great  temptation,  when  every  thing  seemed  to 
draw  or  almost  force  him  to  it  ?  Now  the  Lord  God 
had  planted  in  the  garden  every  tree  that  was  pleasant 
to  the  sight,  or  good  for  food,  and  all  for  the  use  of 
man.  He  had  every  thing,  and  wanted  nothing.  One 
single  tree  only  it  had  pleased  God  to  keep  to  himself, 
that  he  might  prove  the  man  whether  he  would  keep 
his  law  or  not.  And  yet  he  would  not  spare  that  one 
lone  tree  for  God,  who  gave  him  all  things.  He  would 
not  spare  it,  but  ate  of  it.  And  he  ate  of  it,  notwith- 
standing God  had  both  forbidden  him  to  do  so,  and 
forewarned  him  that  in  the  day  he  ate  thereof  he 
should  surely  die.] 

Q.  How  could  he,  who  was  created  in  the  image  of 
God,  make  himself  such  a  sinner? 

A.  The  woman  was  first  in  the  transgression. 

Q.  But  the  woman  was  not  less  holy  than  the  man. 
How  was  she  led  to  commit  so  grievous  a  sin  ? 

A.  Satan  deceived  her;  telling  her  that  she  should 
not  die,  but  should  be  more  like  God,  if  she  ate  of  the 
forbidden  fruit. 


8  CATECHISM.  [PART   II. 

Q.  But  we  have  no  sucli  commandment  now ;  and 
why  should  it  have  pleased  God  to  command  our  first 
parents  not  to  eat  of  the  fruit  of  that  tree? 

A.  Because  they  must  needs  be  under  some  law  to 
God;  and  no  other  law  could  have  been  easier  for 
them  to  keep  than  that  one. 

Q.  If  Adam  had  never  sinned,  he  had  never  died. 
What  was  there  to  keep  him  always  alive? 

A.  The  tree  of  life. 

Q.  What  was  that  ? 

A.  It  was  one  of  the  trees  which  the  Lord  planted 
in  the  garden. 

Q.  Did  the  man  and  woman  die  as  soon  as  they  had 
eaten  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil? 

A.  They  lost  at  once  their  better  life — the  life  of 
God  in  their  souls ;  but  they  did  not  die,  as  to  the  life 
of  their  bodies,  for  a  long  time  afterward. 

Q.  Why  did  they  not  die,  soul  and  body,  at  once  ? 

A.  Because  Christ  undertook  for  them ;  and  God 
would  show  his  forbearance  and  long-suifering, 

Q.  How  long  was  it  after  the  first  transgression  be- 
fore it  pleased  God  to  make  it  known  to  man  that  a 
Saviour  was  provided  for  him  ? 

A.  On  the  evening  of  the  same  day  that  man  had 
sinned,  God  said  that  the  seed  of  the  woman  should 
bruise  the  serpent's  head. 

Q.  And  what  did  that  mean  ? 

A.  The  seed  of  the  woman  meant  Christ;  and  to 
bruise  the  serpent's  head  meant  that  he  would  destroy 
the  power  and  poison  of  the  devil. 

[It  seems  to  have  been  mainly  by  the  encouragement 
of  this  promise  that  men  first  worshipped  God  with 
prayers  and  sacrifices.  Much  else,  also,  must  have 
been  revealed  concerning  the  will  of  God  and  man's 
duty  at  that  early  time,  which  we  now  know  nothing 
about.  It  is  enough  for  us  to  know  that,  from  the  be- 
ginning, man  worshipped  God  in  the  faith  of  a  Re- 


PART   11.]  CATECHISM.  9 

deemer  to  come ;  and  that  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ  was  that  promised  Redeemer.] 

Q.  But  can  you  think  why  Christ  should  have  been 
called  the  seed  of  the  woman,  when,  in  all  the  Bible, 
every  one  else  is  reckoned  from  the  man,  and  not  from 
the  woman  ? 

A.  Because  Christ  was  to  be  born  of  a  virgin. 

Q.  AVhat  sort  of  sacrifices  did  men,  at  first,  worship 
God  with  ? 

A.  They  ofi'ered  tame  beasts,  such  as  bullocks,  rams, 
kids,  or  lambs,  for  sin-ofi'erings,  and  the  fruits  of  the 
earth  for  thank-offerings. 

Q.   What  did  they  mean  by  sacrificing  live  things? 

A.  They  did  it  to  confess  their  sins,  that  as  sinners 
they  deserved  to  die,  and  that  they  looked  for  pardon 
through  the  sacrifice  of  another,  who  should  know  no 
sin. 

Q.  Could  men  find  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  the  grace 
of  godliness,  before  Christ  came  ? 

A.  Yes,  if  they  believed  in  the  promised  Saviour, 
according  to  the  light  which  they  had. 


CHAPTER   III. 

MORE     ABOUT     THE     FIRST     AGE     OF     THE     WORLD 

ABRAHAM:     COVENANT    WITH    HIM HIS    FAITH. 

[Adam's  first  son,  Cain,  was  a  murderer,  and  killed 
his  brother  Abel,  because  Abel  was  a  good  man,  and 
God  blessed  him  as  he  did  not  bless  Cain.  Enoch,  the 
seventh  man  (that  is,  in  the  seventh  generation)  from 
Adam,  walked  so  holily  with  God,  that  God  took  him 
to  heaven  without  his  having  to  ''see  death."  And 
the  same  thing  happened  to  the  holy  prophet  Elijah, 
about  two  thousand  years  afterward.     He  was  taken 


10  CATECHISM.  [part   II. 

up  to  heaven  in  a  chariot  of  fire,  with  horses  of  fire, 
borne  on  a  whirlwind.  Noah,  who  lived  when  the 
wickedness  of  man  was  so  great  in  the  earth  that  it 
repented  God  that  he  had  made  man,  insomuch  that 
he  destroyed  the  whole  race  of  men,  except  Noah  and 
his  family,  by  a  flood — Noah  was  a  just  man  and  holy 
before  God.  So  that  while  we  see,  on  the  one  liand, 
that,  by  the  first  transgression,  man  fell  at  once  so  en- 
tirely from  God,  that  nothing  was  too  bad  for  him  to 
do,  we  see  also,  on  the  other  hand,  that  there  was  grace 
enough  given  to  make  men  holy,  and  fit  them  for 
heaven,  if  they  improved  it  as  they  were  taught  of 
God. 

It  was  about  the  middle  of  the  time  between  the  first 
transgression  and  the  coming  of  Christ,  that  it  pleased 
God  to  renew  the  promise  of  Christ  to  Abraham,  and 
establish  it  with  a  solemn  covenant.  And  it  also 
pleased  God  to  deal  with  him,  in  all  his  life,  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  shadow  forth  the  nature  of  Christ's  king- 
dom, and  its  dominion  in  them  that  believe.  Abram 
(for  that  was  his  name  at  first)  was  seventy-five  years 
old  when  he  was  called  to  leave  his  father's  house,  and 
kindred,  and  country,  and  go  to  an  unknown  land 
which  God  would  show  him.  And  he  was  promised  a 
great  name,  and  to  be  made  a  great  nation,  and  that  all 
the  families  of  the  earth  should  be  blessed  in  him. 
This  call  he  obeyed,  and  went  forth,  not  knowing 
whither  he  went.  Ten  years  afterward,  it  pleased  God 
to  renew  the  promise  to  him ;  he  still  having  no  child, 
nor  a  foot  of  land,  nor  any  certain  dwelling-place.  And 
after  yet  fourteen  years  more,  when  he  was  full  ninety- 
nine  years  old,  and  had  no  child,  and  was  still  a  wan- 
derer, dwelling  in  tents,  but  trusted  faithfully  in  God, 
the  covenant  was  renewed  to  him,  and  he  received  the 
sign  of  circumcision  for  a  seal  of  the  covenant.  Now 
also  his  name  was  changed  from  Abram  to  Abraham, 
and  he  was  assured  that  his  wife  Sarah,  though  past 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  11 

age,  should  bear  him  a  son  at  that  time  the  next  year, 
who  should  inherit  the  blessings  of  the  covenant  after 
him.  But  the  birth  of  Isaac  did  not  change  the 
ground  of  Abraham's  faith.  God  still  dealt  with  him 
so  as  to  leave  no  other  support  for  his  faith  but  the 
word  of  promise  only.  He  was  not  allowed  to  settle 
himself  long  at  a  time,  at  any  place,  nor  to  possess  any 
of  the  land  which  was  covenanted  to  him ;  and  Isaac 
was  not  yet  grown  up  to  manhood  when  he  was  re- 
quired to  offer  him  up  for  a  burnt-offering.  True,  God 
did  not  suffer  him  to  take  the  life  of  the  lad;  but  it 
was  not  till  Abraham  had  bound  him,  and  laid  him  on 
the  altar,  and  taken  the  knife,  and  stretched  forth  his 
hand  for  the  stroke  of  death,  that  it  pleased  God  to 
arrest  him  by  a  voice  from  heaven,  accepting  the  sacri- 
fice as  if  actually  offered,  and  sparing  to  the  patriarch 
his  only  son.  Then  was  Abraham  more  blessed  than 
ever,  and  the  covenant  was  confirmed  to  him  with  an 
oath.  Still,  however,  he  was  to  live  by  simple  faith, 
trusting  only  in  the  word  of  God,  without  any  helps 
from  nature.  And  so  Isaac  did  not  marry  his  wife 
Rebecca  till  he  was  forty  years  old ;  and  she  bore  him 
no  child  till  twenty  years  afterward,  when  Jacob  and 
Esau  were  born,  and  never  any  other.  Isaac  was 
seventy-five  years  old,  and  Jacob  fifteen,  when  Abraham 
died;  he  having  lived  a  hundred  and  seventy-five 
years. 

And  now,  when  Abraham  had  fulfilled  the  end  of 
his  calling,  giving  an  example  of  simple  faith  and  im- 
plicit obedience  to  the  end  of  his  life,  it  pleased  God 
to  hasten  the  fulfilment  of  the  promise  concerning  his 
posterity,  and  the  land  they  should  inherit.  Jacob 
became  the  father  of  the  twelve  patriarchs:  Reuben 
and  Simeon,  Levi  and  Judah,  Joseph  and  Benjamin, 
Issachar  and  Zebulun,  Dan  and  Naphtali,  Gad  and 
Asher;  of  whom  came  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel, 
Joseph's  brethren  sold  him  into  Egypt ;  but  God  was 


12  CATECHISM.  [part   II. 

with  him,  and  made  him  governor  over  all  the  land. 
Meanwhile  a  grievous  famine  in  the  land  of  Canaan, 
where  Jacob  (now  called  Israel)  dwelt^  obliged  him  to 
send  his  sons  into  Egypt  to  buy  corn.  They  bought  it 
of  Joseph;  he  made  himself  known  to  them;  and 
Jacob,  and  all  his  house,  were  removed  into  Egypt. 
Here  they  sojourned  upward  of  two  hundred  years;  at 
first  in  great  prosperity,  but,  toward  the  last  of  the 
time,  under  great  oppression,  which  grew  into  cruel 
bondage.  But  the  blessing  of  Grod  was  with  them,  and 
they  were  multiplied  more  than  any  other  people. 
Their  persecutions  kept  them  from  mixing  with  the 
Egyptians,  and  made  them  remember  the  God  of 
Abraham.  They  cried  to  him,  and  he  delivered  them 
by  the  hand  of  Moses  and  Aaron,  his  servants.  Egypt 
was  plagued  with  judgments  for  their  sake ;  and  they 
were  brought  out  with  a  high  hand,  six  hundred  thou- 
sand men,  besides  women  and  children.] 

Q.  Before  there  was  any  written  word  of  God,  as 
we  now  have  it  in  the  Bible,  how  did  it  please  God  to 
make  his  will  known  ? 

A.  By  the  ministry  of  angels. 

Q.  How  was  that  ? 

A.  Sometimes  in  dreams  and  visions  of  the  night, 
sometimes  by  voices,  and  sometimes  by  an  angel  ap- 
pearing and  speaking  as  a  man. 

Q.  Have  we  any  reason  to  believe  in  such  things  now  ? 

A.  No  :  the  Bible  stands  now  in  place  of  every  thing 
else,  as  the  rule  of  our  faith  and  practice. 

Q.  But  may  not  one  still  be  converted  in  a  dream, 
or  by  hearing  a  voice,  or  seeing  some  strange  thing  ? 

A.  The  Bible  teaches  not  so. 

Q.  What  is  said  in  the  Bible  about  dreams? 

A.  The  prophet  that  hath  a  dream,  let  him  tell  a 
dream ;  and  he  that  hath  my  word,  let  him  speak  my 
word  faithfully:  what  is  the  chaff  to  the  wheat?  saith 
the  Lord. 


PART   II.]  CATECHISiM.  13 

Q.  But  if  we  may  not  hear  voices,  and  see  strange 
sights,  how  do  the  angels  any  longer  minister  to  us? 

A.  They  minister  as  angels,  not  as  men — as  pure 
spirits,  helping  us  to  think  right  and  feel  right,  but 
not  as  if  they  had  bodily  parts  as  we  have. 

Q.  But  do  they  not  also  take  care  of  us,  and  guard 
us  from  danger  ? 

A.  Yes,  they  do ;  but  this  also  they  do  in  a  manner 
like  themselves  :  we  neither  see  them  nor  hear  them. 

Q.  Which  one  of  the  holy  men  of  old  did  God  cove- 
nant with  that  in  his  seed  all  the  families  of  the  earth 
should  be  blessed  ? 

A.  Abraham. 

Q.  Is  there  any  thing  in  the  New  Testament  to  prove 
that  this  seed  meant  Christ  ? 

A.  It  is  written.  He  saith  not.  And  to  seeds,  as  of 
many,  but  as  of  one.  And  to  thy  seed,  which  is  Christ. 

Q.  How  long  was  it  from  x\dam  to  Abraham  ? 

A.   About  two  thousand  years. 

Q.  And  how  long  from  Abraham  to  Christ  ? 

A.  About  two  thousand  years  more. 

Q.  Did  x\braham  live  before  or  after  the  flood  ? 

A.  After  the  flood,  from  four  to  five  hundred  years. 

Q.  We  said  that  it  pleased  God  to  deal  with  Abra- 
ham in  such  a  manner  as  to  shadow  forth  the  nature 
of  Christ's  kingdom  among  men,  and  how  it  is  main- 
tained in  us.     How  was  that  ? 

A.  Abraham  believed  God,  trusted  in  him,  and  lived 
by  the  word  of  God  which  he  believed. 

Q.   Can  you  tell  us  more  ? 

A.  As  Abraham  had  great  faith,  he  also  had  great 
trials ;  but,  as  his  faith  did  not  fail  him,  his  trials  only 
served  to  make  it  stronger,  and  proved  his  greatest 
blessings. 

Q.  We  would  still  learn  more  about  it. 

A.  If  the  promise  seemed  to  tarry,  still  Abraham 


14  CATECHISM.  [part  II. 

knew  that  the  word  of  God  was  faithful,  and  he  waited 
in  obedience  for  it,  just  as  it  pleased  God. 

Q.  What  was  most  remarkable  in  Abraham's  foith  ? 

A.  It  was  so  simple.  He  believed,  and  lived,  by 
what  God  promised  or  commanded,  against  every  thing 
else,  just  as  if  there  had  been  nothing  against  it. 


CHAPTER    ly. 

> 

ISRAEL   BROUGHT   OUT   OF   EGYPT — THE   LAW    GIVEN. 

[When  God  brought  up  Israel  out  of  Egypt,  he  did 
it  with  signs  and  wonders,  that  it  might  appear  to  be 
the  work  of  his  almighty  power,  and  not  at  all  their 
own  doing.  He  plagued  Pharaoh  and  all  Egypt  with 
his  judgments,  for  Israel's  sake ;  he  made  a  way  for 
them  through  the  Red  Sea,  and  carried  them  over  dry- 
shod,  while  the  Egyptians  he  drowned;  he  fed  them 
with  bread  from  heaven,  and  gave  them  abundance  of 
water  in  the  wilderness,  where  there  was  no  water ;  he 
gave  them  his  law  or  ordinances  at  Mount  Sinai,  at  the 
hand  of  his  servant  Moses ;  and  he  would  soon  have 
given  them  rest  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  if  they  would 
have  been  obedient.  But  they  would  not.  For  all 
the  wonders  which  had  been  wrought  for  them,  they 
proved  to  be  j^erverse  and  rebellious ;  and  so,  after 
they  had  been  brought  to  the  borders  of  Canaan,  God 
turned  them  back  to  wander  in  the  wilderness  till  all 
the  men  of  that  generation  had  died,  except  Caleb  and 
Joshua  only.  Moses  himself  was  only  allowed  to  see 
the  land  of  promise,  but  not  to  enter  into  it,  before  he 
died,  by  the  will  of  God.  Joshua  was  put  into  Moses's 
place,  as  captain  and  judge  over  Israel;  and  under  his 
management,  by  the  good  hand  of  God  upon  them, 
was  Israel  planted  in  Canaan,  forty  years  after  their 


PXRT   11.]  CATECHISM.  15 

\ 

comVig  out  of  Egypt.  Tlie  country  was  conquered, 
the  kind  divided  among  their  tribes,  and  Israel  was 
given  a  place  and  a  name  among  the  nations.  As  in 
their  coming  out  of  Egypt,  so  in  their  entering  into 
Canaan,  and  getting  it  in  possession,  every  thing  was 
done  by  miracle.  Jericho  was  taken  by  its  walls  falling 
down  at  the  sound  of  rams'  horns,  blown  by  the  priests, 
and  the  people  shouting  with  a  great  shout.  God 
fought  their  battles,  and  they  did  little  more  than  take 
possession  of  what  he  conquered  for  them.] 

Q.  But  we  wish  to  know  something  in  particular 
about  the  giving  of  the  law  at  Mount  Sinai ;  for  that, 
above  every  thing  else  of  this  age,  it  concerns  us  to 
know.  How  long  was  it  after  the  covenant  with  Abra- 
ham before  the  law  was  given  at  Mount  Sinai  ? 

A.  Four  hundred  and  thirty  years, 

Q.  And  how  long  was  it  after  Israel  left  Egypt  be- 
fore the  law  was  given  ? 

A.  Fifty  days. 

Q.  And  how  did  it  please  Grod  to  do,  in  giving  them 
his  law  ? 

A.  He  first  called  Moses  up  into  the  mount,  and 
commanded  him  to  put  the  people  in  mind  of  all  the 
great  things  he  had  done  for  them,  and  to  tell  them 
that,  if  they  would  be  obedient,  he  would  bless  them 
above  all  people. 

Q.  And  when  Moses  told  this  to  the  people,  what 
did  they  say  ? 

A.  They  promised  to  do  all  that  God  commanded 
them ;  and  Moses  told  the  Lord  what  the  people  had 
said. 

Q.  And  how  then  ? 

A.  God  commanded  Moses  to  sanctify  the  people, 
and  to  fix  bounds  round  about  the  mountain ;  for  that 
in  three  days  he  would  come  down,  in  sight  of  them 
all,  upon  Mount  Sinai. 


10  CATECHISM.  [PART,  H. 

Q.  Why  was  Moses  to  set  bounds  round  about  tlie 
mountain  ? 

A.  Because  neither  man  nor  beast  might  touch  it, 
or  they  would  be  put  to  death. 

Q.  What  happened  on  that  great  day  when  brod  re- 
vealed himself  to  Israel  ? 

A.  Firstj  there  were  thunderings  and  lightnings, 
and  a  thick  cloud  upon  the  mountain,  and  the  sound 
of  a  trumpet,  so  that  all  the  people  trembled ;  and 
Mount  Sinai  was  all  on  a  smoke,  and  quaked  greatly, 
because  the  Lord  came  down  upon  it  in  fire.  And 
the  Lord  called  Moses  up  into  the  mountain ;  and 
Moses  went  up. 

Q.  What  was  the  first  charge  which  the  Lord  gave 
the  people  by  Moses  ? 

A.  The  Lord  commanded  Moses  to  charge  the  people, 
lest  they  should  pass  the  bounds  set  about  the  moun- 
tain, and  many  of  them  perish ',  and  to  charge  the 
priests  to  sanctify  themselves,  lest  he  should  break 
forth  upon  them. 

Q.  After  Moses  had  delivered  these  charges  to  the 
people  and  the  priests,  what  happened  next '/ 

A.  Then  it  pleased  God  to  utter  the  law  of  the  ten 
commandments,  with  a  loud  voice,  and  there  were 
thunderings  and  lightnings,  and  the  voice  of  a  trumpet 
waxing  louder  and  louder,  and  the  mountain  quaking 
and  smoking.  And  the  people  saw  and  heard,  and 
were  greatly  afraid,  and  stood  afar  off. 

[It  seems  that  each  one  of  the  ten  commandments 
was  uttered  with  a  mighty  voice,  as  from  heaven,  that 
all  the  people  might  hear  every  word  distinctly.  And 
after  the  utterance  of  each  commandment,  or  as  soon 
as  all  the  ten  had  been  uttered,  the  thundering  and 
lightning,  and  sound  of  a  trumpet,  and  the  thick  dark- 
ness covering  the  mountain,  grew  more  and  more  awful. 
So  that  the  people,  who  at  the  beginning  had  to  be 
cautioned  against  being  too  curious,  and  passing  the 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  17 

bounds  set  around  the  mountain,  now  drew  back,  over- 
whelmed with  awe  and  amazement  at  the  majesty  of 
God.] 

Q.  But  what  more  took  place  ? 

A.  The  people,  not  able  to  bear  the  terror  of  receiv- 
ing the  law  at  the  mouth  of  God,  prayed  that  Moses 
might  be  permitted  to  stand  between  them,  to  receive 
the  commandments  from  God,  and  give  them  to  the 
people. 

Q.  And  was  this  done  ? 

A.  Yes ;  it  pleased  God  to  suffer  the  people  to  stand 
afar  off,  while  Moses,  alone,  drew  near  to  the  thick 
darkness  where  God  was. 

Q.  Were  not  the  ten  commandments  given  in  an- 
other way  besides  by  the  voice  from  heaven? 

A.  They  were  written  on  two  tables  of  stone. 

[They  were  written  on  tables  of  stone  two  different 
times.  Moses  was  called  up  to  meet  with  God  in  the 
mount  three  several  times  after  the  loud  voice  uttering 
the  ten  commandments.  The  first  of  these  three  times, 
he  received,  for  the  people,  the  statutes  which  were 
to  govern  them  as  a  nation,  and  which  he  wrote  down 
in  a  book,  as  he  received  them  from  God.  The  second 
time,  he  received  ordinances  concerning  the  worship 
of  God;  which,  also,  he  wrote  down  in  a  book.  And, 
at  this  time,  it  pleased  God  to  give  him  the  law  of  the 
ten  commandments,  on  two  tables  of  stone  ]  concerning 
which  the  Scriptures  teach  us,  that  ''the  tables  were 
the  work  of  God,  and  the  writing  was  the  writing  of 
God,  graven  upon  the  tables.''  But  as  Moses  was  a 
long  time  in  the  mountain,  the  people,  growing  weary 
of  waiting  for  him,  or  thinking  he  had  been  consumed 
in  the  burning  fire  which  was  upon  it,  made  a  golden 
calf,  and  began  to  worship  it ;  on  which  God  sent  him 
down  to  put  a  stop  to  their  idolatry.  But  when  he 
came  in  sight  of  that  shocking  scene,  he  cast  the  tables 
out  of  his  hands,  and  they  were  broken  to  pieces  on 


18  CATECHISM.  [PART   II. 

the  ground.  The  people  were  brought  to  repentance ; 
and  Moses  was  commanded  to  hew  two  other  tables, 
like  those  which  had  been  broken,  and  to  come  up  into 
the  mount,  bringing  the  tables  with  him.  This  was 
the  third  time  that  he  was  called  up  into  the  mountain, 
after  the  first  utterance  of  the  commandments  with  the 
voice  of  God;  and  God  gave  them  to  him  a  second 
time,  written  on  the  two  tables  of  stone  which  he  had 
prepared  to  receive  them.  At  this  time,  also,  it  pleased 
God  to  add  several  precepts  concerning  religion,  and 
to  enjoin,  particularly,  a  strict  observance  of  the  weekly 
Sabbath,  and  the  feast  of  the  passover. 

Concerning  the  ordinances  commonly  called  the 
ceremonial  law,  they  were  given  not  only  to  serve  for 
public  worship,  and  to  preserve  the  people  from  idol- 
atry, but  especially  to  show,  as  in  a  shadow,  the  great 
object  of  their  faith  in  the  sacrifice  of  him  who  was  to 
come,  our  crucified  Redeemer.  Their  sanctuary  and 
high-priest,  altar  and  sacrifices,  were  to  fix  in  their 
minds  a  conviction  of  sin,  and  that  as  sinners  they  had 
need  of  a  Mediator,  and  an  atoning  sacrifice,  greater 
and  better  than  the  sons  of  Aaron,  and  the  blood  of 
bulls  and  of  goats.  We  cannot  here  take  notice  of  all 
that  was  observed  and  done,  but  we  will  notice  the 
passover,  and  the  sacrifice  of  the  scape-goat,  as  samples 
of  those  ordinances. 

The  last  of  the  judgments  of  God  upon  Egypt  was 
the  killing  of  the  first-born.  It  was  the  night  before 
the  Israelites  left  Egypt.  At  midnight  the  liord  smote 
all  the  first-born  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  from  the  first- 
born of  Pharaoh,  the  king,  to  the  first-born  of  the 
meanest  of  the  people,  and  of  all  their  cattle.  And 
the  passover  was  instituted  at  that  time,  as  a  sign  be- 
tween God  and  Israel,  that  they  might  be  preserved 
from  the  destroying  angel.  And  this  was  the  manner 
of  it :  Every  family  was  to  take  a  lamb,  a  male,  with- 
out blemish,  and  kill  it ;  and  dipping  a  bunch  of  hys- 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  19 

sop  in  tlie  blood,  sprinkle  it  on  the  head-piece  and 
posts  of  their  door  -,  and  the  flesh  of  it  they  were  to 
eat,  roasted  with  tire,  with  unleavened  bread  and  bitter 
herbs.  It  was  a  sacrifice  to  the  Lord,  with  this  pecu- 
liarity, that  it  was  offered  by  families,  and  every  father 
acted  as  a  priest  in  the  ofi'ering  of  it.  And  the  pfiss- 
over,  thus  instituted,  was  afterward  made  a  perpetual 
memorial,  by  God's  special  commandment;  to  be  ob- 
served, at  its  time,  from  generation  to  generation, 
throughout  all  Israel.  So  Paul  says,  Christ,  our  Pass- 
over, is  sacrificed  for  us;  and  Christ,  our  Lord,  said 
of  himself,  '^  He  that  eateth  me,  even  he  shall  live  by 
me."  He  is  the  Lamb,  without  spot  or  blemish,  whose 
sprinkled  blood  is  the  safety  of  the  soul. 

The  sacrifice  of  the  scape-goat  was  as  follows  :  Be- 
sides the  daily  sacrifices,  morning  and  evening  con- 
tinually, there  was  one  day  in  the  year  when  a  special 
and  extraordinary  sacrifice  was  offered,  with  the 
greatest  solemnity,  for  the  sins  of  all  the  people.  After 
the  high-priest  had  first  offered  a  bullock  as  a  sin- 
offering  for  himself,  and  was  come  to  the  place  of  sacri- 
fice to  make  atonement  for  the  people,  the  whole  con- 
gregation brought  two  kids  of  the  goats,  and  delivered 
them  to  him  as  a  sin-offering  to  the  Lord ;  and  he,  re- 
ceiving them  of  the  people,  on  behalf  of  the  whole 
congregation  of  Israel,  presented  them,  both  together, 
before  the  Lord ;  and  then,  casting  lots,  he  sacrificed 
one  of  them  in  the  usual  manner,  and  having  sprinkled 
the  blood  upon  the  mercy-seat  and  before  it,  he  pre- 
sented the  kid  on  which  the  lot  fell  to  be  the  scape- 
goat alive  before  the  Lord,  and,  laying  both  his  hands 
upon  its  head,  he  confessed  over  it  all  the  sins  of  the 
children  of  Israel,  putting  them,  as  it  were,  upon  the 
head  of  the  goat,  and  sent  him  away,  by  a  fit  man,  into 
a  land  not  inhabited.  Here  there  were  two  animals, 
constituting  one  sacrifice;  and  in  such  a  manner  as 
that  only  one  of  them  sufi'ered  death,  while  the  other 


20  CATECHISM.  [part   II, 

was  deemed  suitable  to  bear  away  the  sins  of  the  people 
to  a  land  unknown.  A  remarkable  type  of  the  sacri- 
fice of  Christ,  in  whom  two  natures,  the  human  and 
the  Divine,  were  united  for  our  redemption :  and  of 
whom  the  Scriptures  testify,  that  He  liveth.  and  was 
dead^  and  is  alive  for  evermore.] 


CHAPTER   V. 

FROM   JOSHUA   TO   CHRIST. 

[After  the  Israelites  were  planted  in  Canaan,  God 
gave  them  judges  for  their  chief  rulers,  for  the  space 
of  four  hundred  years,  from  Joshua  to  Samuel.  They 
then  cried  for  a  king,  and  he  gave  them  Saul  to  be 
their  king.  Samuel,  the  last  of  their  judges,  was  one 
of  the  holiest  of  men,  and  a  prophet.  The  judges 
generally  ruled  well;  but,  except  David  and  a  few 
others,  the  kings  were  bad  men,  and  did  the  people 
much  harm.  They  had  kings,  from  Saul  to  Zedekiah, 
for  the  space  of  five  hundred  years.  And  then  the 
kings,  and  the  chief  of  the  people,  and  the  priests, 
were  grown  so  very  wicked,  that  no  help  could  be 
found,  but  the  nation  had  to  be  broken  up  for  a  time. 
And  so  God  delivered  them  into  the  hands  of  the 
Chaldeans,  who  wasted  their  country,  sacked  their 
cities,  destroyed  Jerusalem  and  the  temple,  and  carried 
them  away  captive  to  Babylon.  But  all  this  while, 
God  had  been  sending  them  prophets,  to  reprove  them 
for  their  sins,  and  warn  them  of  the  judgments  which 
should  overtake  them  if  they  repented  not.  But  they 
despised  the  word  of  the  Lord,  persecuted  the  prophets, 
and  made  themselves  worse  by  the  very  means  which 
the  goodness  of  God  was  employing  to  make  them 
better.     There  was  no  help  for  their  wickedness;  and 


PART  II.]  CATECHISM.  21 

tliey  were  broken  up,  and  held  in  captivity  in  Babylon 
for  seventy  years.  After  this,  they  were  suffered  to 
return  to  the  land  of  their  fathers ;  but  they  had  never 
again  a  kingdom  of  their  own,  but  had  governors  over 
them,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  till  the  coming  of  Christ — 
upwards  of  five  hundred  years.] 

Q.  Can  you  tell  what  was  the  cause  of  the  Jews  be- 
coming so  wicked  as  they  were  ? 

A.  They  turned  away  from  the  worship  of  God  to 
the  worship  of  idols. 

Q.  And  was  it  easier,  or  happier,  for  them  to  serve 
idols  than  the  true  God  ? 

A.  0,  no !  They  even  made  their  children  pass 
through  the  fire  to  the  false  god  Moloch. 

[The  way  of  transgressors  is  hard.  ~  The  feasts  of 
their  idol-worship  were  full  of  lust  and  drunkenness; 
but  the  idolatry  which  one  day  made  them  drunk, 
would,  on  another  day,  roast  their  children.  But  so, 
we  may  say,  it  still  is.  Men  go  into  sin  for  pleasure ; 
and  their  pleasures  make  them  vile,  till  they  have  lost 
all  power  over  their  lusts ;  and  so  they  will  only  go  on 
in  sin,  cost  what  it  may.] 

Q.  Tell  us  the  names  of  some  of  the  prophets  ? 
A.  Samuel  and  David,  Elijah  and   Elisha,  Isaiah, 
Jeremiah,  Ezekiel,  and  Daniel. 

Q.  Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  Ezekiel,  and  Daniel,  are  called 
the  greater  prophets;  and  their  prophecies  make  up  a 
large  and  most  precious  portion  of  the  Old  Testament 
Scriptures.  There  are  twelve  others  of  the  prophets, 
whose  prophecies  form  twelve  shorter  books  of  the  Old 
Testament,  and  who  are  called  the  lesser  prophets. 
Can  you  tell  their  names  ? 

A.  Hosea,  Joel,  Amos,  Obadiah,  Jonah,  Micah, 
Nahum,  Habakkuk,  Zephaniah,  Haggai,  Zechariah,  and 
Malachi. 

[Malachi  was  the  last  of  the  prophets.  There  was 
no  other  after  him  till  John  the  Baptist ;  who  was  born 


22  CATECHISM.  [PART   II. 

six  months  only  before  the  birth  of  Christ,  and  about 
four  hundred  years  after  Malachi  prophesied.  John's 
great  commission  was  one  between  that  of  a  prophet 
and  an  apostle ;  and  his  ministry  formed  the  link  of 
connection  between  the  dispensations  of  the  law  and  of 
the  gospel.  It  was  his  office  ''to  prepare  the  way  of 
the  Lord,"  not  merely  by  prophesying  that  he  was  to 
come,  but  by  bearing  witness  that  he  was  already  come; 
and  Christ  did  honor  to  his  ministry  by  being  baptized 
by  him.] 

Q.  But,  seeing  that  Christ  was  Lord  of  all,  and  John 
himself  bore  witness  that  he  was  not  worthy  so  much 
as  to  unloose  the  latchet  of  his  shoes,  why  should  he 
have  gone  to  John  to  be  baptized  of  him  ? 

A.  He  did  it  to  fulfil  all  righteousness,  and  for  an 
example  to  others. 

Q.  But  Christ,  being  God,  was  he  not  above  all 
ordinances  ? 

A.  Christ  was  man,  no  less  than  he  was  Grod,  and  as 
man  he  must  needs  fulfil  all  righteousness ;  that  is,  all 
that  God  judged  right  for  man  to  do. 

Q.  True ;  as  God  sent  John  to  baptize  with  water, 
all  men  were  bound  to  be  baptized  of  him.  And  so  it 
is  said,  that  the  Pharisees  and  lawyers  rejected  the 
counsel  of  God  against  themselves,  being  not  bap- 
tized of  him.     And  was  Christ  circumcised  also? 

A.  Yes;  for  the  same  reason  that  he  was  baptized. 
lie  must  needs  fulfil  all  righteousness. 

[Paul  says,  that  ''  Christ  was  made  under  the  law, 
to  redeem  them  that  were  under  the  law.''  If  he 
was  made  under  the  law,  he  must  have  been  subject 
to  its  ordinances ;  nor  could  he  have  redeemed  others 
from  under  the  law,  if  that  law  had  had  any  thing 
against  him,  as  one  who  was  under  it,  but  who  did 
not  keep  it.  It  is  the  same  as  to  the  matter  of  his 
being  baptized.  Moses  and  John  were  both  from  God; 
each  at  his  time,  and  for  the  ends  intended.     Both  had 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  23 

God's  aufliorlty,  and  both  referred  to  Christ :  one  at  a 
distance,  and  the  other  near  at  hand.  If,  therefore, 
either  as  to  circumcision  or  the  baptism  of  John,  Christ 
had  not  complied  with  the  sacred  ceremony,  he  being 
a  Je"w,  as  to  his  human  nature,  ^Y0uId  have  made  him- 
self an  offender.] 

Q.  But  you  said,  also,  that  he  did  it  for  an  example. 
How  for  an  example  ?  Ought  Christian  people  to  be 
baptized  with  the  baptism  of  John  ? 

A.  By  no  means ;  no  more  than  they  ought  to  be 
circumcised  because  Christ  was.  For  both  circumci- 
sion and  the  baptism  of  John  have  had  their  use,  each 
in  its  time,  and  have  passed  away. 

Q.  How  then  was  Christ  baptized  by  John  for  an 
example  to  others?     What  did  the  example  mean? 

A.  It  was  an  example  to  all  the  Jews,  at  that  time, 
for  them  to  do  as  he  did,  in  that  very  thing.  And  it 
was  an  example  for  all  men,  at  all  times,  so  far  as  it 
shows  that  no  man  may  put  off  the  law  of  God. 

Q.  But  did  Christ  ever  institute  any  other  baptism 
than  the  baptism  of  John  ? 

A.  Most  certainly  he  did ;  after  his  resurrection, 
when  he  said  to  his  apostles,  "All  power  is  given  unto 
me  in  heaven  and  in  earth ;  go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach 
all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. ^' 

Q.  But  may  not  that  have  been  the  same  as  if  he 
had  told  them  to  baptize  with  the  baptism  of  John  ? 

A.  Not  at  all ;  for  John  did  not  baptize  in  the  name 
of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  nor  even  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  But  he  baptized,  saying  unto 
the  people  that  they  should  believe  in  him  who  was  to 
come  after  him. 

Q.  Where  do  we  learn  this  ? 

A.  In  the  nineteenth  chapter  of  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles ;  where  we  are  taught,  also,  that  the  disciples 


24  CATECHISM.  [PART   II. 

of  John  did  not  so  much  as  kuo-w  that  there  was  any 
Holy  Ghost. 

Q.  Have  we  any  reason  to  believe  that  the  apostles 
ever  considered  John's  baptism  as  the  Christian  bap- 
tism ? 

A.  Certainly  not.  Nor  was  it  possible  for  them  to 
take  it  for  Christian  baptism,  when  it  was  not  instituted 
by  Christ,  nor  administered  as  Christ  commanded  his 
disciples  to  baptize. 

Q.  Would  one  of  the  apostles  have  baptized  John's 
disciples  over  again  ? 

A.  Yes,  certainly ;  and  Paul  did  baptize  some  of 
them,  as  we  learn  from  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles.     . 


CHAPTER   VI. 

CHRIST HIS     INCARNATION,    FASTING    AND     TEMPTA- 
TION,   AND    MINISTRY — THE    APOSTLES. 

[God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only-be- 
gotten Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not 
perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.  He  is  called  in  the 
gospel  by  John,  the  Word;  and  we  are  taught  that 
he  was  in  the  beginning  with  God,  and  was  God, 
and  that  all  things  were  made  by  him.  And  so,  in 
the  Epistle  to  the  Colossians,  it  is  written,  that  "by 
Him  were  all  things  created  that  are  in  heaven,  and 
that  are  in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether  they  be 
thrones,  or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers ;  all 
things  were  created  by  him  and  for  him ;  and  he  is 
before  all  things,  and  by  him  all  things  consist."  And 
the  same  apostle,  teaching  the  Philippians  a  lesson  of 
charity  and  humility,  and  enforcing  it  by  an  appeal  to 
the  greatest  example,  says,  "  Let  this  mind  be  in  you 
which  was  also  in  Christ  Jesus;    who,  being  in  the 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  25 

form  of  God,  thought  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with 
Grod,  but  made  hiuiself  of  no  reputation,  and  took  upoQ 
him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and  was  made  in  the  Hke- 
ness  of  men ;  and  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man^  he 
humbled  himself,  and  became  obedient  unto  death, 
even  the  death  of  the  cross."] 

Q.  But  how  could  the  Son  of  God  thus  humble  him- 
self, and  be  made  man  ? 

A.  It  is  a  great  mystery.  We  only  know  that  ho 
was  conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
was  born  of  the  Virgin  jMary. 

Q.  Jesus,  our  Lord,  was  born  in  Bethlehem,  a  town 
belonging  to  the  tribe  of  Judah,  not  far  from  Jerusalem  • 
according  to  the  prophecy  of  Micah  :  ''  Thou  Beth- 
lehem Ephratah,  though  thou  be  little  among  the  thou- 
sands of  Judah,  yet  out  of  thee  shall  he  come  forth 
unto  me  that  is  to  be  ruler  in  Israel,  whose  goings  forth 
have  been  from  of  old,  from  everlasting.''  Yet  he  was 
commonly  called  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  or  the  Nazarene. 
Why  was  he  called  thus  ? 

A.  Because,  though  he  was  born  in  Bethlehem,  he 
was  brought  up  at  Nazareth,  in  Galilee. 

Q.  How  old  was  Jesus  when  he  began  to  preach  and 
work  miracles  ? 

A,  About  thirty  years  old. 

Q.  How  long  did  he  continue  in  the  work  of  his 
ministry,  before  he  offered  himself  up  on  the  cross  for 
us? 

A.  About  three  years. 

Q.  After  our  Lord  was  baptized  by  John,  and  there 
came  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying,  "This  is  my  be- 
loved Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased,''  what  happened 
next,  before  he  began  his  ministry  ? 

A.  He  was  led  up  of  the  Spirit  into  the  wilderness, 
to  be  tempted  of  the  devil.  And,  before  the  tempta- 
tion, he  fasted  forty  days  and  forty  nights. 

Q.  But  why  should  the  holy,  blessed  Jesus    have 


26  CATECHISM.  [part   II- 

been  tempted;  and  the  Holy  Spirit  have  been  con- 
senting to  it  ? 

A.  To  show  us,  in  his  being  tempted,  that  he  was 
made  like  us,  (only  without  sin,)  and  that  he  is  able  to 
succor  us  in  all  our  temptations. 

Q.  And  why  did  he  fast  forty  days  and  forty  nights 
before  his  temptation  ? 

A.  To  teach  us  how  to  meet  our  trials  and  tempta- 
tions. 

Q.  Ought  we  to  fast,  then,  so  long  a  time  ? 

A.  No ;  we  could  not  do  it.  That  was  the  fast  of 
the  Son  of  God ;  but  we  can  only  ftxst  as  feeble  men 
who  cannot  bear  much. 

Q.  After  the  temptation,  when  Jesus  began  preach- 
ing to  the  people,  how  did  he  begin  his  first  sermon? 

A.  Seeing  the  multitude,  he  went  up  into  a  moun- 
tain, and  his  disciples  first  coming  to  him,  he  opened 
his  mouth,  and  taught  them,  saying,  ''Blessed  are  the 
poor  in  spirit;  tor  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
Blessed  are  they  that  mourn  ;  for  they  shall  be  com- 
forted. Blessed  are  the  meek ;  for  they  shall  inherit 
the  earth.  Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and 
thirst  after  righteousness;  for  they  shall  be  filled. 
Blessed  are  the  merciful;  for  they  shall  obtain  mercy. 
Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart;  for  they  shall  see  God. 
Blessed  are  the  peace-makers ;  for  they  shall  be  called 
the  children  of  God.  Blessed  are  they  which  are  per- 
secuted for  righteousness'  sake ;  for  theirs  is  the  king- 
dom of  heaven.'' 

Q.  Did  the  enemies  of  our  Lord  find  any  fault  with 
his  preaching  ? 

A.  No  ;  they  could  not. 

Q.  What  did  they  pretend  against  his  miracles  ? 

A.  They  pretended  that  he  cast  out  devils  by  Beel- 
zebub, the  prince  of  the  devils. 

Q.  What  were  the  names  of  the  twelve  apostles  ? 

A.  Simon,  (commonly  called  Peter,)  and  Andrew 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  27 

his  brother,  James,  and  John  his  brother,  Philip  and 
Bartholomew,  Matthew  and  Thomas,  James,  (the  son 
of  Alpheus,)  and  Simon  called  Zelotes,  Jude,  (some- 
times called  Judas,)  and  Judas  Iscariot,  who  betrayed 
Jesus. 

Q.  Did  our  Lord  ever  send  forth  the  twelve  apostles 
to  preach  and  work  miracles,  while  he  was  himself 
preaching  and  working  miracles  ? 

A.  He  did.  And  he  appointed  seventy  other  dis- 
ciples also,  and  sent  them  forth,  two  and  two,  before 
him,  and  said,  "The  harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the 
laborers  are  few ;  pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest  that  he  would  send  forth  laborers  into  his 
harvest." 

Q.  What  did  they  preach  ? 

A.  The  time  is  fulfilled,  and  the  kingdom  of  God  is 
at  hand  :  repent  ye,  and  believe  the  gospel. 

Q.  "What  seems  to  have  been  our  Lord's  first  object 
in  sending  them  forth  ? 

A.  To  call  the  attention  of  the  people  to  his  own 
ministry. 

Q.  And  were  the  apostles,  or  the  seventy,  employed, 
in  this  way  all  the  time  that  Christ  himself  was  ? 

A.  No  ;  it  was  only  for  a  short  time. 

Q.  Did  the  apostles  ever  afterward  receive  any  other 
commission  to  preach  the  gospel  than  that  one? 

A.  Yes ;  after  our  Lord  was  risen  from  the  dead, 
when  he  said  unto  them,  ''All  power  is  given  unto  me 
in  heaven  and  in  earth;  go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all 
nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.'' 

Q.  And  when  Jesus  had  told  them  this  after  his 
resurrection,  did  they  go  at  once  abroad  to  preach  to 
all  nations  ? 

A.  No,  not  at  once ;  for  he  also  told  them  that  they 
must  tarry  in  Jerusalem  till  they  should  be  endued  with 
power  from  on  high. 


28  CATECHISM.  '  [PART   IT. 

Q.  What  power  was  that  for  which  they  had  to 
wait? 

A.  It  was  the  power  of  the  Holy  Grhost^  which  came 
upon  them  on  the  day  of  Pentecost. 

Q.  What  became  of  the  disciples,  and  even  the 
apostles,  after  our  Lord  delivered  himself  up  to  his 
enemies  ? 

A.  The  disciples  were  scattered,  and  even  the  apostles 
forsook  him  and  fled;  according  to  the  prophecy  of 
Zechariah  :  ^^Awake,  0  sword,  against  my  Shepherd, 
and  against  the  man  that  is  my  fellow,  saith  the  Lord 
of  hosts.  Smite  the  Shepherd,  and  the  sheep  shall  be 
scattered." 


CHAPTEE   YII. 

THE    CRUCIFIXION    OF    CHRIST. 

[Our  blessed  Lord  having  fulfilled  the  work  of  his 
ministry,  the  time  came  for  him  to  be  offered  up ;  ac- 
cording to  what  had  been  prophesied  by  Isaiah  :  "  He 
was  wounded  for  our  transgressions  ]  he  was  bruised  for 
our  iniquities  ;  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon 
him ;  and  with  his  stripes  we  are  healed/'  And  the  same 
prophet  had  said  again,  ''He  was  oppressed,  and  he 
was  afflicted,  yet  he  opened  not  his  mouth;  he  is 
brought  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and  as  a  sheep 
before  her  shearers  is  dumb,  so  he  openeth  not  his 
mouth.  He  was  taken  from  prison  and  from  judg- 
ment ;  and  who  shall  declare  his  generation  ?  for  he 
was  cut  off  out  of  the  land  of  the  living  :  for  the  trans- 
gression of  my  people  was  he  stricken.''  It  was  the 
time  of  the  passover  when  Christ,  our  Passover,  (whose 
blood  is  our  redemption,  and  his  flesh  the  life  of  the 
world,)  came  up  to  Jerusalem  to  attend  the  feast,  and 
to  offer  the  sacrifice  of  himself     He  ate  of  the  pass- 


PART  II.]  CATECHISM.  29 

over  with  his  disciples,  and  then,  having  taken  bread, 
he  blessed  it,  and  broke  it,  and  g-ave  it  to  them,  saying, 
Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body  which  is  broken  for  you  ; 
this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  And,  in  like  manner, 
he  took  the  cup,  saying.  This  cup  is  the  New  Testa- 
ment in  my  blood ;  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in 
remembrance  of  me.  Then,  having  sung  a  hymn,  he 
went  out,  with  his  disciples,  to  the  Mount  of  Olives. 
Here,  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  there  was  a  garden 
called  Gethsemane,  and  entering  into  it,  he  took  Peter, 
and  James,  and  John  apart  from  the  rest,  and  then, 
going  a  little  aside  from  these  three  also,  he  fell  on  his 
face  and  prayed,  saying,  ''0,  my  Father!  if  it  be 
possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me.  Nevertheless,  not 
as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt.''  Three  several  times  he 
repeated  this  prayer,  saying  the  same  words;  and  so 
great  was  his  agony,  that  his  sweat  was  as  it  were  great 
drops  of  blood  falling  to  the  ground.  And  there  ap- 
peared an  angel  from  heaven  strengthening  him.  After 
this  he  returned  to  his  disciples ;  and  then  came  Judas, 
(who  had  not  come  with  him  to  the  mountain,  but  had 
gone  to  the  chief-priests  to  betray  him,)  leading  a  mul- 
titude with  swords  and  staves,  to  take  him.  Jesus, 
therefore,  knowing  what  was  to  follow,  stood  forward, 
and  said  unto  them,  "Whom  seek  ye?"  They 
answered,  "Jesus  of  Nazareth,''  Then  said  Jesus,  "I 
am  he."  And,  as  he  spoke,  they  staggered  backward, 
and  fell  to  the  ground.  After  that,  he  yielded  himself 
into  their  hands,  saying,  "  I  have  told  you  that  I  am 
he;  if  therefore  ye  seek  me,  let  these"  (meaning  his 
disciples)  "go  their  way."  And  now  began  the  hour 
and  the  power  of  darkness.  They  took  Jesus,  and, 
binding  him,  led  him  away  to  Annas  and  Caiaphas, 
the  chief-priests,  where  they  passed  the  night,  waiting 
for  the  morning,  when  they  should  take  him  to  the 
Sanhedrim,  the  highest  court  of  the  Jews,  to  try  him. 
The  morning  came,  and  they  made  short  work  of  it. 


30  CATECHISM.  [PART   11. 

They  condemned  liim  to  death.  But  death  itself  could 
not  satisfy  their  malice,  without  adding  to  it  extreme 
torture,  and  they  determined  that  he  should  be  cruci- 
fied. This  was  the  most  cruel  of  all  deaths,  and  was 
held  in  the  greatest  abhorrence.  None  but  the  vilest 
of  offenders  suffered  it  ]  and  then,  not  unless  they  were 
slaves.  But  the  persecutors  of  Jesus  could  overleap 
all  bounds.  They  pretended  to  execute  him  out  of 
zeal  for  their  laws,  because,  they  said,  he  was  guilty  of 
blasphemy )  and  yet,  setting  aside  their  own  laws,  they 
carried  him  to  Pilate,  the  Eoman  governor,  and  a 
heathen  man,  that  they  might  get  from  him,  not  from 
the  laws  of  God,  authority  to  crucify  him.  But  Pilate 
declared  him  innocent,  and  sought  to  release  him ;  till, 
finding  that  the  chief-priests  and  elders  could  not  be 
appeased,  and  that  there  was  danger  from  the  uproar 
of  the  people,  he  took  water,  and,  washing  his  hands 
before  them  all,  protested  that  he  was  innocent  of  his 
blood.  And  so  he  delivered  him  into  their  hands, 
that  they  might  crucify  him;  while  they  cried  aloud, 
"His  blood  be  upon  us  and  upon  our  children!" 
Never  was  there  a  trial  like  this.  It  was  late  at  night 
before  Jesus  was  carried  to  Caiaphas,  the  high-priest ; 
and  it  must  have  been  after  daylight,  hardly  before  six 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  that  he  was  brought  before  the 
Jewish  court  ]  but  so  fierce  and  eager  was  their  hatred, 
that  the  whole  case  was  concluded,  and  the  sentence 
of  death  was  passed  upon  him,  and  he  was  nailed  to 
the  cross,  by  noon  of  the  same  day.  And  all  this  in 
so  short  a  time,  notwithstanding  the  delays  occasioned 
by  Pilate,  in  sending  him  to  Herod,  and,  after  Herod 
had  sent  him  back  again,  dallying  with  the  Jews  to  let 
him  go.  Meanwhile  the  Saviour  was  subjected  to 
every  form  of  abuse.  At  the  house  of  Caiaphas  he 
had  been  all  night  the  sport  of  his  enemies;  and 
during  the  morning,  he  was  driven  hither  and  thither, 
to  the  Sanhedrim,  to  Pilate,  to  Herod,  and  back  again 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  31 

to  Pilate;  mocked,  derided,  spit  on,  his  temples  dis- 
honored with  a  crown  of  thorns,  and  his  back  torn  by 
scourging.  It  was  as  if  the  world  of  sinners  were  in 
league  with  the  world  of  flillen  angels,  to  do  the  utmost 
wrong  to  the  Son  of  God,  the  seed  of  the  woman.  We 
overlook  ourselves  when  we  ascribe  it  all  to  the  Jews. 
Jesus  could  not  have  been  crucified  at  all,  if  a  Gentile 
governor  had  not  given  sentence  against  him  ;  and  this 
he  did,  protesting  as  he  did  it  that  it  was  unjust. 
Those  were  Gentile  soldiers,  too,  who  put  the  crown 
of  thorns  upon  his  head,  mocked  him,  smote  him,  and 
spit  upon  him.  The  world  was  there,  as  if  come  to- 
gether to  lay  both  hands — the  hand  of  the  Jews  and 
the  hand  of  the  Gentiles — on  the  head  of  the  victim 
who  was  to  bear  their  sins  away  to  the  land  of  forget- 
fulness.  But,  alas  !  there  was  no  confession  of  sins ; 
and  the  deed  actually  done,  was  as  if  Jews  and  Gentiles, 
priests  and  people,  high  and  low,  rich  and  poor,  Phari- 
sees, Sadducees,  Herodians,  men  of  all  sects,  and  men 
of  no  sect  at  all,  offended  at  the  purity  of  Jesus,  would 
rid  themselves  by  violence  of  his  teaching  and  example  ; 
too  true,  as  they  were,  to  be  disproved,  and  too  holy  for 
them  to  endure. 

We  have  seen  how  Jesus,  our  Redeemer,  suffered  in 
the  garden  of  Gethsemane  for  our  sins;  how  he  was  all 
night  worried  and  abused,  without  rest  or  refreshment,  at 
the  house  of  Caiaphas ;  and  how  all  the  morning  he  was 
harassed,  as  a  lamb  among  wolves,  till  he  was  sentenced 
to  death,  and  led  away  to  be  crucified.  If,  then,  we 
might  regard  him  as  a  man  merely,  we  should  expect 
to  find  him  faint  and  exhausted  ;  but  the  remembrance 
of  his  miracles,  and  the  conviction  that  he  was  the  Son 
of  God,  seem  absolutely  to  forbid  it.  Nevertheless, 
such  was  actually  the  case;  insomuch  that  he  was  not 
able  to  carry  the  cross  to  the  place  of  crucifixion,  as 
was  customary  for  all  to  do  who  were  to  be  crucified. 
It  seemed  not  a  mere  hiding  of  his  power,  but  a  posi- 


32  CATECHISM.  [PART   II. 

tive  want  of  strength ;  such  as,  in  his  circumstances, 
would  have  been  natural  to  an  ordinary  man,  worn 
down  with  watching,  anxiety,  and  fatigue.  How  amaz- 
ing is  this  !  that  he  who,  at  the  very  moment  of 
giving  himself  into  the  hands  of  his  enemies,  smote  the 
whole  multitude  of  them  with  a  word,  casting  them 
dow^n  to  the  ground  as  with  thunder — he  who  fasted 
forty  days  and  forty  nights,  without  harm  to  his  health 
or  strength — he  who  raised  the  dead  at  will,  and 
walked  on  the  sea  as  on  solid  ground — that  even  he 
should  now  have  appeared  as  weak  and  faint  as  the 
meanest  of  the  people  !  Nothing  was  apparent  in  him 
in  that  hour  of  the  mystery  of  the  cross  but  a  sheer 
humanity,  cast  down  to  the  lowest  depths  and  last  ex- 
treme of  misery  and  want.  But  not  so.  This  was 
only  the  condition  of  the  material  sacrifice — the  lamb 
bound  and  bleeding,  execrated  and  killed,  as  a  ransom 
for  men.  But  there  was  more  than  human  wretch- 
edness in  the  humiliation  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  Even 
Pilate  must  have  seen  more.  During  the  period  of 
his  ministry,  all  nature  had  been  obedient  to  his  will, 
and  he  manifested  his  glory  as  the  only-begotten  Son 
of  God  by  his  dominion  over  it.  The  blind  saw,  the 
deaf  heard,  the  dead  were  raised,  and  the  winds  and 
waters  reversed  their  nature,  to  proclaim  that  Jesus 
was  Messiah,  God  manifest  in  the  flesh.  But  now,  in 
the  extremity  of  his  humiliation,  he  had  another  object 
to  accomplish,  and  the  scene  had  to  be  conformed  to 
the  character  of  that  object.  It  is  another  manifesta- 
tion— a  manifestation  not  of  power,  but  of  love;  not 
of  majesty,  but  of  meekness.  Or  it  was  a  manifesta- 
tion, rather,  of  the  power  of  love  and  the  majesty  of 
meekness;  as  that  power  and  majesty  could  be  mani- 
fested in  no  mere  man,  but  in  the  Son  of  God  only. 
How  low  might  one  man  stoop  for  others  ?  Or  how 
much  might  one  man  bear  for  others  ?  Here,  in  the 
humiliation  of  Christ,  the  depths  are  heights,  showing 


PART  II.]  CATECHISM.  33 

that,  "  as  the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth,  so  are 
his  ways  higher  than  our  ways,  and  his  thoughts  than 
our  thoughts.''  If  therefore  we  see  in  the  miracles  of 
Christ  the  power  and  goodness  of  Grod  reversing  the 
laws  of  brute  creation  to  serve  man's  bodily  wants  and 
infirmities,  we  may  also  see  in  his  humiliation  the  same 
Divine  power  reversing  the  nature  of  man  for  man, 
giving  himself  for  others,  even  for  his  persecutors  and 
murderers,  to  the  last  extremity  of  pain  and  shame, 
and  to  the  utmost  sacrifice  of  flesh,  and  blood,  and 
spirit.  It  was  an  exemplification,  also,  of  the  great 
moral  and  spiritual  results  of  the  sacrifice  of  Jesus,  in 
the  experience  of  those  who  should  be  called  to  sufler 
for  his  name's  sake,  and  who,  through  faith  in  him  as 
their  Mediator  and  Redeemer,  should  have  obtained 
the  power,  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  love  their  enemies, 
and  to  sufi"er  wrongfully  with  a  holy  virtue,  without 
meanness  and  without  resentment.  Jesus  sufi"ercd, 
then,  to  magnify  the  love  of  God  to  man.  Great  and 
glorious  were  the  miracles  which  he  wrought,  but  this, 
his  extreme  humiliation,  was  the  crown  of  them  all. 
For  which  were  greater,  (not  to  say  better,)  to  hold 
the  winds  and  waves  in  subjection,  or  the  passions  of 
the  soul?  To  make  the  sea  subject  to  the  foot  of  the 
boatless  voyager,  or  to  make  the  evils  of  life,  even 
the  most  aggravating  and  insufferable,  a  pathway  to  the 
skies  ? 

But  there  was  a  still  deeper  cause  involved  in,  at 
least,  a  part  of  Christ's  humiliation.  His  bloody  sweat 
in  the  garden,  and  especially  that  awful  cry  from  the 
cross,  *'  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken 
me  ?"  must  have  implied  more  than  the  utmost  agony 
of  mortal  suffering.  What  more,  as  far  as  we  can 
know,  was  shadowed  forth  in  the  legal  relation  of  the 
victim  offered  in  the  sacrifice  of  atonement  ?  As  a  sin- 
offering,  the  sins  of  the  people  were  deemed  to  have 
2^ 


34  CATECHISM.  [part   II. 

been  imputed  to  it.  And  so  Isaiah  prophesies  of 
Christ :  "  The  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of 
us  all."  And  Paul  says :  ^'  He  hath  made  him  to 
be  sin  [that  is,  a  sin-offering]  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin, 
that  we  might  be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in 
him."  And  again :  ^^  The  bodies  of  those  beasts 
whose  blood  is  brought  into  the  sanctuary  by  the  high- 
priest,  for  sin,  are  burned  without  the  camp  ;  where- 
fore, Jesus  also,  that  he  might  sanctify  the  people  with 
his  own  blood,  suffered  without  the  gate."  We  con- 
clude, therefore,  that,  as  under  the  Levitical  law  the 
entire  body  of  the  victim  offered  to  make  atone- 
ment for  the  sins  of  the  people  was  burned  without 
the  camp,  and  this  was  typical  of  Christ's  sufferings 
on  the  cross  without  the  gate  of  Jerusalem,  he  must 
have  experienced  in  these  sufferings,  both  in  kind  and 
degree,  whatever  the  type  signified  :  though  we  cannot 
penetrate  the  mystery  of  the  cross,  and  tell  how  far 
those  sufferings  without  the  gate,  fulfilling  the  type  of 
the  body  burned  without  the  camp,  involved  the  tre- 
mendous idea,  ^^  Our  God  is  a  consuming  fire." 

It  is  sad  to  think  of  the  persecations  of  Christ;  but 
we  know  that  he  died  for  the  life  of  the  world.  Enoch 
and  Elijah  ascended  to  heaven  without  seeing  death, 
(2  Kings  ii.,  Heb.  xi.  5 ;)  Moses  died  in  rapture  on  the 
top  of  Mount  Pisgah ;  but  the  holy,  blessed  Jesus  suf- 
fered death  in  its  vilest  and  most  cruel  form,  after  having 
been  mocked,  reviled,  spit  on,  his  back  torn  with 
scourging,  and  his  temples  dishonored  with  a  crown  of 
thorns.  But  no  man  took  his  life,  for  he  laid  it  down 
of  himself  J  as  he  said :  "  I  lay  down  my  life  that  I 
might  take  it  again.  No  man  taketh  it  from  me,  but 
I  lay  it  down  of  myself  I  have  power  to  lay  it  down, 
and  I  have  power  to  take  it  again."  And  accordingly, 
after  he  had  been  for  three  hours  nailed  to  the  cross, 
he  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  and  gave  up  the  ghost  j 


PART  II.]  CATECHISM.  35 

while  those  who  were  crucified  with  him  lived  several 
hours  longer,  and  then  their  death  was  hastened  by 
breaking  their  bones.] 

Q.  Although  it  was  necessary  that  Christ  should 
sufier  as  a  sacrifice  for  our  sins,  yet  might  he  not  have 
spared  himself  much  of  what  was  inflicted  on  him, 
without  any  injury  to  the  cause  in  which  he  died  ? 

A.  We  cannot  tell ;  but  as  he  suffered  for  our  sakcs, 
we  know  that  less  suffering  could  not  have  showed 
more  love. 

[True ;  and  most  happy  is  it  to  think  that  if,  on  the 
one  part,  the  nailing  of  him  to  the  cross  did  but  too 
truly  represent  what  was  in  the  heart  of  man  toward 
God,  he  embraced  that  cross,  and  shunned  none  of  its 
agonies,  to  show,  on  the  other  part,  what  was  in  the 
bosom  of  God  toward  man ;  while  he  made  intercession 
for  the  transgressors,  and  gave  his  blood  freely  for  our 
pardon.  Indeed,  the  humiliation  of  the  Son  of  God, 
in  coming  down  from  heaven  to  undertake  for  us  at  all, 
is  far  more  wonderful  than  that,  having  taken  on  him 
the  nature  of  man,  he  should  have  further  humbled 
himself  to  the  death  of  the  cross.  Nor  should  it  be 
thought  unreasonable  that  He  who  came  from  the 
bosom  of  the  Father  in  glory  to  make  sinners  of  the 
earth  capable  of  bearing  all  wrongs  and  forgiving  all 
injuries,  without  resentment  or  reserve,  should  choose 
to  finish  his  work,  as  Jesus  did,  on  the  cross ;  or  that, 
offering  himself  up,  through  the  eternal  Spirit,  a  sacri- 
fice for  all  the  evil  of  man's  fallen  nature,  and  all  the 
violence  that  comes  of  it,  he  should  have  preferred 
to  suffer  in  his  own  person  the  worst  of  human  wrongs, 
unprovoked  and  unresented.] 

Q.  But  if  Christ  was  willing  to  be  crucified,  does  it 
not  take  off  the  guilt  of  those  who  crucified  him,  or 
make  them  less  guilty  ? 

A.  Not  at  all.     They  did  it  altogether  of  ill-will ', 


36  CATECHISM.  [part   II. 

and  their  wickedness  was  as  free  in  them  as  his  love 
was  free  in  him. 

Q.  13nt  did  not  the  prophets  foretell  these  things  ? 
and  was  not  the  Scripture  fulfilled  by  their  coming  to 
pass  ? 

A.  The  prophets  did  indeed  foretell  the  sufferings 
of  Christ ',  but  that  did  not  excuse  the  Jews,  but  made 
them  the  more  guilty. 

Q.  Why  did  it  make  them  more  guilty,  when  it  ful- 
filled the  Scriptures  ? 

A.  They  set  aside  the  Scriptures,  not  believing 
them;  or,  if  they  believed  them,  they  explained  them 
away ;  or  else  they  wilfully  crucified  the  Messiah  because 
they  did  not  like  him. 

[It  is  shocking  to  think  of  the  wicked  cruelty  of  the 
murderers  of  Jesus.  The  meek  and  holy  One  bleed- 
ing on  the  cross,  the  sun  turned  to  darkness  in  the 
heavens,  the  earth  quaking,  the  rocks  rending,  and 
still  those  bloody  men  not  moved  !  It  rained  fire  and 
brimstone  from  heaven  on  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and 
consumed  them,  for  the  wickedness  of  the  people.] 

Q.  Why  then  were  not  the  murderers  of  Christ  in- 
stantly destroyed  ? 

A.  Because  he  was  dying  for  them;  and  it  was  the 
hour  of  the  triumph  of  mercy. 

Q.  But  did  not  God  afterwards  avenge  the  death  of 
his  Son  by  the  awful  judgments  with  which  he  de- 
stroyed Jerusalem,  scattered  the  Jews  over  all  the 
earth,  and  turned  their  beautiful  land  into  a  desolation  ? 

A.  All  this  was  done  -,  and  the  Jews  were  cut  ofi", 
not  out  of  vengeance  on  them  for  crucifying  Jesus, 
but  because  they  would  not  afterward  repent  and  be- 
lieve the  gospel. 

[We  doubt  if  the  wrongs  done  to  the  person  of 
Christ,  during  his  humiliation  among  men,  were  ever 
visited  on  the  ofi"enders   by  judgments   in  this  life. 


PART  II.]  CATECHISM.  37 

And  if  the  souls  of  the  very  individuals  who  nailed 
him  to  the  cross  are  not  now  with  the  redeemed  in 
glory,  we  may  rest  assured  that  it  is  not  because  they 
could  not  be  saved  after  that  act,  but  because  they  per- 
sisted in  unbelief,  and  would  not  obey  the  gospel. 
Jesus  seems  to  have  intimated  this  in  his  answer  to  the 
Pharisees,  when  they  accused  him  of  casting  out  devils  by 
Keelzebub.  And  so  far  was  it  from  the  purpose  of  his 
heart  to  cut  oflP  the  Jews  for  having  crucified  him, 
that,  after  his  resurrection,  he  made  it  a  point  in  the 
commission  of  the  apostles  that  they  should  begin 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel  at  Jerusalem.  And, 
agreeably  to  this,  Paul,  stating  the  cause  of  the 
final  destruction  of  men,  does  not  instance  particular 
sins,  but  gives  for  the  cause  that  they  would  not  obey 
the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Great  as  was 
the  sin  of  crucifying  Christ,  his  love  and  sacrifice  of 
himself  prevailed  over  it,  so  as  still  to  leave  the  Jews 
the  most  favored  people,  who  were  to  have  the  first 
offer  of  the  gospel  of  salvation ;  but  when  they  rejected 
the  gospel  also,  all  was  lost,  and  they  were  cut  off. 
What  more  need  one  do  for  his  destruction  than  this  ? 
Rejecting  the  counsel  of  Grod  against  himself,  he  does 
despite  to  the  Spirit  of  grace,  and  wounds  not  the 
hands  or  the  feet  only,  but  the  very  heart  of  Jesus, 
making  him  to  die  in  vain.] 

Q.  How  long  was  it  after  our  Lord  was  nailed  to  the 
cross,  before  he  bowed  his  head  and  gave  up  the  ghost? 

A.  Three  hours  :  from  twelve  o'clock  to  three  in  the 
afternoon. 

Q.  We  have  said  that  the  bones  of  the  two  malefac- 
tors who  were  crucified  with  Christ  were  broken  before 
they  died :  was  any  such  violence  done  to  the  body  of 
Christ  on  the  cross? 

A.  The  soldiers  who  broke  the  legs  of  the  two 
malefactors  did  not  break  the  legs  of  Jesus,  because 


38  CATECHISM.  [part   II. 

they  found  that  he  was  dead  already.  But  one  of  them 
pierced  his  side  with  a  spear;  and  forthwith  there 
flowed  out  of  it  blood  and  water. 

Q.  Was  there  any  scripture  fulfilled  by  this  ? 

A.  It  was  commanded  of  the  lamb  of  the  passover, 
which  was  to  be  eaten  roasted  with  fire,  that  not  a  bone 
of  him  should  be  broken.  And  the  prophet  Zechariah 
says,  *'  They  shall  look  upon  me  whom  they  have 
pierced. '^ 

Q.  Did  the  soldiers  do  any  thing  else  which  fulfilled 
the  Scriptures  ? 

A.  When  they  had  stripped  him  of  his  garments, 
they  divided  them  among  themselves,  except  his  coat, 
for  which  they  cast  lots;  as  it  is  written  in  the  Book  of 
the  Psalms,  "  They  part  my  garments  among  them,  and 
cast  lots  upon  my  vesture. '^ 

Q.  What  wonders  were  wrought  at  the  death  of 
Christ,  to  bear  witness  that  he  was  the  Son  of  God  ? 

A.  While  he  hung  upon  the  cross,  there  was  a  dark- 
ness over  all  the  earth  ;  and,  as  he  died,  the  veil  of  the 
temple  was  rent  in  twain  from  the  top  to  the  bottom, 
and  the  earth  quaked,  and  the  rocks  were  rent,  and 
the  graves  were  opened.  And,  after  his  resurrection, 
many  bodies  of  the  saints  arose,  and  came  out  of  their 
graves,  and  appeared  to  many  in  Jerusalem. 

Q.  What  did  it  mean  that  the  veil  of  the  temple 
was  rent  in  twain  ? 

A.  It  was  to  show  that  the  rites  and  sacrifices  of 
the  temple-worship  had  been  fulfilled,  and  were  of  use 
no  longer. 

Q.  What  was  that  veil  of  the  temple  ? 

A.  It  was  a  curtain,  richly  wrought  of  blue,  and 
purple,  and  fine-twined  linen,  which  divided  between 
the  holy  place  where  the  priests  performed  the  daily 
service,  and  the  Holy  of  Holies,  into  which  the  high- 
priest  alone  should  enter  once  every  year. 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  39 

Q.  What  was  signified  by  the  veil  itself,  seeing  that 
it  hid  away  the  Divine  presence,  and  the  ark,  and  the 
mercy-seat,  and  the  cherubim  ? 

A.  It  was  a  type  of  Christ's  human  nature,  which 
hid,  as  it  were,  the  glory  of  his  Godhead. 

Q.  Did  not,  then,  the  rending  of  that  veil  signify  still 
more  than  that  the  temple  service  was  abolished  ? 

A.  It  also  signified  that  a  new  and  living  way  was 
opened  for  us  by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  that  all  men 
might  have  access,  at  all  times,  to  the  mercy-seat  of 
God. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

THE  BURIAL  AND  RESURRECTION  OF  JESUS — HIS  AS- 
CENSION INTO  HEAVEN — PROPHECIES  CONCERNING 
CHRIST,  ETC. 

[It  was  one  of  the  circumstances  attending  the  death 
by  crucifixion,  that  the  bodies  were  left  to  the  birds 
and  beasts.  They  were  still,  however,  in  the  power 
of  the  chief  magistrate,  who,  if  he  would,  might  allow 
them  to  be  buried  by  any  who  should  desire  it.  This 
must  have  caused  much  anxiety  to  the  disciples.  They 
understood  not  the  mystery  of  the  cross,  and  that  Jesus 
should  rise  from  the  dead.  They  were  poor  and  pow- 
erless, scattered  and  dispirited,  and  they  could  have  no 
courage  to  ask  Pilate  for  the  body  of  their  Lord.  How 
then  was  it  to  be  buried  ?  But  God  had  prepared  for  it. 
There  was  a  rich  and  honorable  man,  named  Joseph, 
of  the  town  of  Arimathea,  in  the  tribe  of  Benjamin,  a 
counsellor  of  the  court  of  the  Sanhedrim,  but  who  se- 
cretly believed  in  Jesus.  This  man  went  boldly  in  to 
Pilate,  and  craved  the  body  of  Jesus.  And  Nicode- 
mus,  a  ruler  of  the  Jews,  who  was  also  a  secret  disci- 
ple of  Christ,  having  knowledge  of  it,  came  to  his 
assistance.     So  that,  on  the  same  evening  of  his  death, 


40  CATECHISM.  [PART   II. 

the  blessed  body  of  the  crucified  Jesus  was  buried  in  a 
most  reputable  manner,  being  wrapped,  with  sweet 
spices,  in  linen  cloths,  and  laid  in  a  new  sepulchre, 
hewn  out  of  a  rock,  which  Joseph  had  prepared  for 
himself.  On  the  next  day,  the  chief-priests  and  others 
came  to  Pilate  and  said,  "  Sir,  we  remember  that  that 
deceiver  said,  while  he  was  yet  alive,  'After  three  days 
I  will  rise  again.'  Command,  therefore,  that  the 
sepulchre  be  made  sure  until  the  third  day;  lest  his 
disciples  come  by  night,  and  steal  him  away,  and  say 
unto  the  people,  He  is  risen  from  the  dead.''  Pilate  an- 
swered, "  Ye  have  a  watch.  Go  your  way ;  make  it 
as  sure  as  ye  can.  So  they  went  and  made  the  sepul- 
chre sure,  sealing  the  stone,  and  setting  a  watch."  But 
in  the  end  of  the  Sabbath,  (Saturday,)  as  it  began  to 
dawn,  toward  the  first  day  of  the  week,  (Sunday,)  Mary 
Magdalene,  and  Mary  the  mother  of  James,  and  others 
of  their  companions,  came  to  the  sepulchre,  to  see  it, 
and,  if  they  might  be  permitted,  to  anoint  or  embalm 
the  body.  But  the  body  was  not  now  in  the  sepulchre. 
Jesus  was  risen  from  the  dead.  Attending  his  resur- 
rection,  there  was  a  great  earthquake ;  for  the  angel 
of  the  Lord  descended  from  heaven,  and  came  and 
rolled  back  the  stone  from  the  door  of  the  sepulchre, 
and  sat  upon  it.  His  countenance  was  like  lightning, 
and  at  the  sight  of  him  the  lloman  soldiers — to  the 
number  of  sixty  men,  who  were  there  on  the  watch,  at 
the  instance  of  the  chief-priests — became  as  dead  men. 
But  it  was  not  so  with  the  women,  who,  although  they 
were  not  there  in  time  to  witness  the  resurrection,  as 
the  Roman  soldiers  did,  yet  were  in  time  to  see  the 
angel,  who  remained  on  purpose  to  comfort  them  with 
an  assurance  that  their  Lord  was  risen  from  the  dead. 
"Fear  not  ye,"  said  the  angel,  ''for  I  know  that  ye 
seek  Jesus,  who  was  crucified.  He  is  not  hpre ;  for  he 
is  risen,  as  he  said.  Come,  see  the  place  where  the 
Lord  lay;  and  go  quickly  and  tell  his  disciples  that  he 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  41 

is  risen  from  the  dead ;  and  beliold,  he  gocth  before 
you  into  Galilee ;  there  shall  ye  see  him."  But  the 
blessed  Master  would  not  withhold  so  long  from  his 
troubled  disciples  the  consolation  of  beholding  him 
risen  from  the  dead.  And,  anticipating  that  more 
general  meeting  on  a  mountain  in  Galilee,  he  showed 
himself  that  very  day  to  Mary  Magdalene,  out  of 
whom  he  had  cast  seven  devils ;  to  Simon  Peter,  who, 
on  the  night  that  he  was  betrayed,  denied  him  before 
the  servants  of  the  high-priest;  to  Cleopas  and  ano- 
ther, on  their  way  to  Emmaus,  a  village  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Jerusalem  •  and  to  a  company  of  disciples, 
including  the  eleven,  who  were  met  together  in  Jeru- 
salem. They  saw  him  frequently,  conversed  with  him, 
handled  him,  and  even  ate  and  drank  with  him,  after 
his  resurrection.  And  now  their  understandings  were 
opened  to  know  the  things  which  he  had  told  them 
concerning  himself,  and  which  they  had  not  under- 
stood before;  and  also  all  things  which  Moses  and  all 
the  prophets  had  written  concerning  him.  It  was  on 
one  of  these  solemn,  joyful  occasions,  that,  having  com- 
mitted to  them  the  ministry  of  the  gospel,  and  com- 
manded them  to  wait  in  Jerusalem  for  the  promise  of 
the  Holy  Ghost,  he  led  them  out  as  far  as  to  the  line  be- 
tween Bethphage  and  Bethany,  on  the  Mount  of  Olives; 
and  thence,  in  the  presence  of  them  all,  at  the  place 
where  he  got  on  the  ass  when  he  rode  into  Jerusalem, 
he  ascended  into  heaven.] 

Q.  Tell  me  some  of  the  scriptures  which  speak  of 
Christ  in  his  humiliation. 

A.  David  says,  in  the  twenty-second  Psalm,  "All 
they  that  see  me  laugh  me  to  scorn.  They  shoot  out 
the  lip  at  me.  They  shake  the  head,  saying.  He 
trusted  on  the  Lord  that  he  would  deliver  him :  let 
him  deliver  him,  seeing  he  delighted  in  him.''  And 
again,  "  The  assembly  of  the  wicked  have  inclosed  me. 
They  pierced  my  hands  and  my  feet.     I  may  tell  all 


42  CATECHISM.  [PART   II 

my  bones.  They  look  and  stare  at  me.  They  part 
my  garments  among  tliem,  and  cast  lots  upon  my  ves- 
ture.'' 

Q.  Give  a  passage  from  the  prophecy  of  Isaiah. 

A.  There  is  much  in  the  book  of  that  prophet  that 
so  plainly  describes  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  that  it 
might  be  considered  scarcely  less  than  a  Gospel.  The 
fifty-third  chapter  is  eminently  of  this  character. 

Q.  Repeat  the  fourth  and  fifth  verses  of  that  chap- 
ter. 

A.  ^'  Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried 
our  sorrows ;  yet  we  did  esteem  him  stricken,  smitten 
of  God,  and  ajfflicted.  But  he  was  wounded  for  our 
transgressions,  he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities :  the 
chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him,  and  with  his 
stripes  we  are  healed.'' 

Q.  Repeat  the  twelfth  verse  of  the  chapter. 

A.  "  Therefore  will  I  divide  him  a  portion  with 
the  great,  and  he  shall  divide  the  spoil  with  the  strong; 
because  he  hath  poured  out  his  soul  unto  death ;  and 
he  was  numbered  with  the  transgressors ;  and  he  bare 
the  sin  of  many,  and  made  intercession  for  the  trans- 
gressors." 

Q.  We  have  seen  that  when  there  was  no  human 
probability  that  the  body  of  our  Lord  would  be  de- 
cently buried,  if  buried  at  all,  two  rich  and  honorable 
men,  of  high  estate,  came  forward  of  their  own  accord, 
and  buried  it  with  all  possible  respect,  in  a  new  tomb 
which  one  of  them  had  prepared  for  himself.  Repeat 
the  verse  of  this  chapter  of  Isaiah  which  prophesied  of 
this  circumstance. 

A.  "And  he  made  his  grave  with  the  wicked,  and 
with  the  rich  in  his  death;  because  he  had  done  no 
violence,  neither  was  any  deceit  in  his  mouth." 

Q.  Repeat  some  prophecy  of  the  Old  Testament 
Scriptures  concerning  the  resurrection  of  Christ. 

A.  David  prophesied  of  it  in  the  sixteenth  Psalm, 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  43 

saying,  "  Thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell ;  neither 
wilt  thou  suflPer  thine  Holy  One  to  see  corruption.'* 

Q.  But  the  soul  of  Christ  cannot  have  been  in  hell. 
How  then  is  it  said,  "Thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in 
hell  V 

A.  The  word  hell  has  two  different  meanings  in  the 
Scriptures.  It  means  the  state  of  the  soul  separate 
from  the  body,  whether  good  or  bad,  as  well  as  it  means 
the  lake  of  fire  and  brimstone.  And  the  former  of 
these  two  is  what  it  means  in  this  prophecy  of  David. 

Q.  How  long  a  time  was  it  after  the  resurrection, 
before  our  blessed  Lord  ascended  into  heaven  ? 

A.  Forty  days. 

Q.  We  said  that  he  led  the  disciples  forth  from 
Jerusalem  to  the  border  of  Bethany;  and  that  there 
he  ascended  into  heaven  in  the  presence  of  them  all. 
How  did  he  ascend  into  heaven  ? 

A.  He  was  speaking  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven ;  and, 
as  he  finished,  while  they  were  earnestly  looking  at 
him,  he  was  taken  up,  and  a  cloud  received  him  out  of 
their  sight. 

Q.  What  else  took  place  at  that  time  ? 

A.  While  they  looked  steadfastly  toward  heaven,  as 
he  went  up,  two  angels  stood  by  them  in  white  cloth- 
ing, and  said  to  them,  "  Ye  men  of  G-alilee,  why  stand 
ye  gazing  into  heaven  ?  This  same  Jesus,  which  is 
taken  up  from  you  into  heaven,  shall  so  come  in  like 
manner  as  ye  have  seen  him  go  into  heaven." 

Q.  And  what  did  the  disciples  then  do  ? 

A.  They  returned  to  Jerusalem,  and  continued,  with 
one  accord,  in  prayer  and  supplication,  waiting  for  the 
promise  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Q.  What  became  of  Judas  Iscariot,  after  he  betrayed 
Jesus  ? 

A.  He  repented  himself;  and  brought  back  to  the 
chief-priests  and  elders  the  thirty  pieces  of  silver,  for 
•which  he  had  betrayed  his  Lord;  and,  casting  them 


44  CATECHISM.  [part   II. 

down  at  their  feet,  he  went  away,  and  hanged  him- 
self. 

Q.  And  what  did  the  chief-priests  and  elders  do 
with  that  money  ? 

A.  They  bought  a  field,  called  the  potter's  field,  to 
bury  strangers  in ;  because,  as  it  was  the  price  of  blood, 
they  could  not  put  it  into  the  treasury  of  the  temple. 

Q.  Do  we  find  any  thing  in  the  prophecies  concern- 
ing this  matter  ? 

A.  The  prophet  Zechariah  foresaw  it,  when  he  said, 
''They  weighed,  for  my  price,  thirty  pieces  of  silver; 
(a  goodly  price  that  I  was  prized  at  of  them;)  and  I 
took  the  thirty  pieces  of  silver,  and  cast  them  to  the 
potter  in  the  house  of  the  Lord.'' 

Q.  And  did  Judas  betray  his  Lord  for  no  more  than 
thirty  pieces  of  silver  ? 

A.  For  no  more. 


CHAPTER   IX. 

THE     PENTECOST 

[The  passover,  at  the  first  institution  of  it,  was  in- 
tended (as  we  have  seen)  for  the  preservation  of  the 
Israelites  from  the  destroying  angel,  by  the  sign  of  the 
blood  of  the  paschal  lamb  sprinkled  on  their  doors. 
But  as  it  was  afterward  observed  by  the  Jews,  in  the 
yearly  feast  of  that  name,  the  purpose  of  it  extended 
beyond  the  original  act  of  the  preservation  of  the  first- 
born, to  the  whole  deliverance  which  God  had  wrought 
in  bringing  Israel  out  of  Egypt;  and  the  blood  of  the 
lamb  sprinkled  on  the  altar  sufficed  for  the  sprinkling 
of  it  on  the  lintels  and  posts  of  their  doors.  In  all 
material  respects,  however,  the  passover  was  the  same, 
and  its  typical  character  remained  unchanged.  Fifty 
days  after  the  passover,  counting  from  the  first  day  of 


PART  II.]  CATECHISM.  45 

unleavened  bread,  which  was  the  day  after  the  paschal 
lamb  was  killed,  the  feast  of  pentecost  commenced. 
This  feast  was  instituted  in  commemoration  of  the  giv- 
ing of  the  law  at  Mouni  Sinai ;  and  precisely  at  the 
time  of  this  feast,  that  is,  fifty  days  after  Christ,  our 
Passover,  had  been  offered,  the  Holy  Ghost  was  given. 
It  was  on  the  seventh  Sunday,  or  Lord's  day,  after  the 
death  of  Christ.  At  the  pentecost  of  Mount  Sinai  (if 
we  may  so  call  it)  the  law  was  given,  and,  with  the 
giving  of  the  law,  the  Mosaic  Church  was  constituted. 
This  was  the  incorporation  of  the  Old  Testament  dis- 
pensation. And  as  if  God  would  show  the  unity  of 
his  design  from  first  to  last,  and  the  symmetry  of  his 
operations,  in  grafting  the  Christian  Church  on  the 
stock  of  the  Jewish,  we  find  that  the  pentecost  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  consummating  the  New  Testament  dispen- 
sation, and  incorporating  the  Christian  Church,  took 
place  at  the  very  time  of  the  feast  held  in  honor  of  the 
law ;  and  that  it  took  place  at  that  time,  not  acci- 
dentally, but  by  Divine  appointment.  The  promise  of 
the  Father  might  not  be  fulfilled  in  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  (and  the  disciples  must  needs  wait  for  it,) 
until  the  day  of  pentecost  was  fully  come.  For  as 
Christ,  our  Passover,  must  have  been  offered  at  the 
time  of  the  Jewish  passover,  to  fulfil  it,  and  come  in- 
stead of  it  under  the  gospel,  even  so  the  gift  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  was  poured  out  on  the  day  of  pentecost,  to 
fulfil  the  design  of  that  institution  also ;  and  to  show 
the  same  Divine  origin  for  the  gospel  as  for  the  law. 

Q.  Repeat  the  four  first  verses  of  the  second  chapter 
of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles. 

A.  "And  when  the  day  of  pentecost  was  fully  come, 
they  were  all  with  one  accord  in  one  place.  And  sud- 
denly there  came  a  sound  from  heaven,  as  of  a  rushing 
mighty  wind,  and  it  filled  all  the  house  where  they 
were  sitting.  And  there  appeared  unto  them  cloven 
tongues,  like  as  of  fire,  and  it  sat  upon  each  of  them. 


46  CATECHISM.  [PART   11. 

And  they  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
began  to  speak  with  other  tongues,  as  the  Spirit  gave 
them  utterance." 

Q.  The  text  says  that  they  were  all  with  one  accord 
in  one  place.  Were  there  others  there  besides  the 
apostles  ? 

A.  As  we  read  that  there  were  a  hundred  and 
twenty  disciples  together  just  before,  when  Matthias 
was  chosen  to  fill  the  place  of  Judas  Iscariot,  as  one  of 
the  apostles,  we  cannot  think  the  number  was  less  on 
this  occasion. 

Q.  A  goodly  number  that,  for  the  gospel  to  begin 
with ;  and  they  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost !  But 
it  was  not  in  their  number,  but  in  the  Spirit  with 
which  they  were  filled,  that  they  found  their  strength. 
And  that  strength  was  signified  by  the  form  of  the 
Spirit's  manifestation:  "a  sound  from  heaven,'^  and 
^'cloven  tongues,  like  as  of  fire."  But  was  it  not  with 
sounds,  and  with  fire,  that  God  manifested  himself  to 
Israel  at  Mount  Sinai  ? 

A.  Yes,  truly;  but  those  sounds  at  Mount  Sinai 
were  so  terrible,  that  "they  that  heard  entreated  that 
the  word  should  not  be  spoken  to  them  any  more;"  and 
that  fire  made  all  the  mountain  smoke,  and  covered 
it  with  darkness.  But  the  sound  of  the  Spirit  was  not 
so :  all  that  heard  it  were  filled  with  assurance  by  it. 
And  the  fire  of  the  Spirit  was  life  and  light  to  them 
all. 

Q.  But  why  should  the  wind  have  been  chosen  as  a 
symbol  of  the  Holy  Ghost  ? 

A.  Because,  of  all  bodily  things,  it  is  the  least  bodily, 
being  invisible,  and  moves  everywhere,  and  is  quick 
and  mighty.  And  because  it  is  our  breath,  and  we 
live  by  it ;  and  by  it  we  have  speech  and  knowledge. 

Q.  And  why  should  the  sound  of  the  Spirit  have 
been  like  that  of  a  rushing  mighty  wind,  and  not 
rather  a  quiet  breathing,  as  of  a  still  small  voice  ? 


PART   II.]  CATECHISM.  47 

A.  It  was  to  show  the  power  of  his  grace ;  which 
was  not  the  less  gracious  for  being  so  mighty. 

Q.  But  the  fire.  Why  were  cloven  tongues,  like  as 
of  fire,  put  with  the  sound  of  the  wind,  as  a  type  of 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost? 

A.  For  the  same  reason  as  before,  perhaps ;  because 
fire  is  so  subtile  and  subduing.  And  this  manifesta- 
tion of  the  tongues,  like  as  of  fire,  was  to  show  the  con- 
secration of  the  disciples,  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  the 
work  of  preaching  the  gospel. 

Q.  And  the  tongues  were  cloven ;  that  is,  each  one 
of  the  tongues,  resting  on  each  one  of  the  disciples,  had 
the  appearance  of  several  tongues  joined  in  one.  Why 
was  this  ? 

A.  It  was  to  signify  the  gift  of  tongues,  which  was 
then  bestowed;  and  to  show  that  the  dispensation  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  was  for  all  people,  and  that  the  gospel 
should  be  preached  to  all,  and  in  all  languages. 

[An  old  writer  has  said,  '^  Christ  is  the  Word,  and 
all  concerning  him  are  words  spoken,  or  words  written ; 
but  the  Holy  Ghost  is  the  seal  of  them  all.  Christ  has 
given  us  a  Testament,  containing  many  and  rich  lega- 
cies ;  but  the  administration  thereof  belongs  to  the 
Spirit,  who  alone  puts  us  in  possession  of  the  benefit. 
Christ  has  made  the  purchase  of  all  spiritual  good 
for  us ;  but  the  earnest,  or  investiture,  is  with  the  Holy 
Ghost.  And  we  know  not  which  is  the  greater,  the 
mystery  of  the  incarnation,  or  the  mystery  of  our  in- 
spiration. For  mysteries  they  both  are,  and  great 
mysteries  of  godliness;  and  in  both  of  them  God  is 
manifest  in  the  flesh ;  in  the  former  by  the  union  of 
his  Son,  and  in  the  latter  by  the  communion  of  his 
Spirit.  .  .  .  x\ll  the  tongues  on  earth  were  not  sufficient 
to  magnify  God  for  his  goodness  in  sending  down  to 
men  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.''] 

Q.  Repeat   the   fifth,   sixth,   seventh,    eighth,   and 


48  CATECHISM.  [PART   II. 

tliirteentli  verses  of  tlie  second  cliapter  of  the  Acts  of/^ 
the  Apostles. 

A.  "And  there  were  dwelling  at  Jerusalem,  Jews, 
devout  men  out  of  every  nation  under  heaven.  Now 
when  this  was  noised  abroad,  the  multitude  came  to- 
gether, and  were  confounded,  because  that  every  man 
heard  them  speak  in  his  own  language.  And  they 
were  all  amazed,  and  marvelled,  saying  one  to  another, 
Behold !  are  not  all  these  which  speak  Galileans  ?  and 
how  hear  we  every  man  in  our  own  tongue  wherein  we 
were  born  ?  Others,  mocking,  said.  These  men  are  full 
of  new  wine." 

[We  see  here  a  beautiful  fitness  in  the  appointment 
of  these  feasts  of  the  Old  Testament,  as  fulfilled  in  the 
New,  above  any  thing  which  appears  in  the  ancient  use 
of  them,  considered  by  themselves.  The  consecration 
of  the  Church  of  Christ  on  earth,  the  first  publishing 
of  the  gospel,  and  authentication  of  the  apostles'  com- 
mission to  preach  it,  wei'e  matters  of  too  great  moment 
to  be  done  in  a  corner.  And  the  occasion  of  this  feast, 
which  brought  together  the  devout  from  every  nation 
under  heaven,  furnished  the  most  suitable  means  of 
Bxtending  the  publication  of  these  great  events  over  all 
the  earth.  It  was  at  this  feast,  also,  that  the  first-fruits 
of  the  harvest  were  offered ;  as  it  fell  at  that  season  of 
the  year  when  the  harvest  began  to  be  gathered.  And 
now  the  first-fruits  of  the  gospel  harvest  were  to  be 
gathered,  and  were  gathered,  as  we  shall  presently 
find.] 

Q.  What  took  place  immediately  after  the  multitude 
came  together,  as  we  have  seen,  on  the  day  of  pentecost  ? 

A.  Peter,  and  the  other  apostles,  standing  forth,  he 
preached  to  the  multitude  the  gospel  of  Christ ;  and 
the  same  day  there  were  added  to  the  number  of  the 
disciples  three  thousand  souls. 

THE    END. 


MANUAL 


INFANT   SCHOOLS. 


COMPILED    BY 


S.    L.    FAKR. 


EDITED  BY  THOMAS  0.  SUMMERS,  D.  D. 


SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE. 
1861. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1860,  by 

J.   B.   M'FEURIN, 

in  the  office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Mid- 
dle District  of  Tennessee. 


STEREOTYPED  AND  PKINTED  BY  A.    A.    STITT, 
SOUTHERN  METHODIST  PUBLISHING  HOUSE,   NASHVILLE,  TENN. 


A   MANUAL 


INFANT    SCHOOLS. 


SECTION  I. 

Question.  Who  made  you  ? 
Answer.  God. 
Q.  What  is  God  ? 
A.  An  infinite  and  eternal  Spirit. 
Q.  Who  is  God  ? 
A.  The  Creator  of  all  things. 
Q.  Where  is  God  ? 
A.  He  is  everywhere. 
Q.  How  long  has  he  lived  ? 
A.  He  has  always  lived. 
Q.  How  long  will  he  live  ? 
A.  For  ever  and  ever. 
Q.  What  can  he  do  ? 
A.  He  can  do  all  things. 
Q.  What  do  you  know  of  God  ? 
A.  God  is  holy,  just,  and  true. 
Q.  What  else  do  you  know  of  God  ? 
A.  He  is  merciful,  good,  and  gracious. 
Q.  What  does  he  know  ? 

A.  He  knows  all  things,  even  the  thoughts  of  our 
hearts. 

Q.  Does  he  always  see  us  ? 

A.  Yes :  nothing  can  hide  us  from  God. 

(3) 


A   MANUAL  FOR  INFANT   SCHOOLS. 

Q.  Does  he  care  for  us  ? 

A.  Yes,  as  a  father  careth  for  his  children. 

Q.  Will  he  call  us  to  an  account  for  our  acts 

A.  Yes,  even  for  our  thoughts. 


SECTION   II. 

Q.  Of  what  did  God  make  man  ? 

A.  Of  the  dust  of  the  earth. 

Q.  Was  man's  soul  made  of  dust? 

A.  No. 

Q.  Will  the  soul  ever  die  ? 

A.  No ;  it  will  live  for  ever. 

Q.  In  whose  image  was  man  made  ? 

A.  In  the  image  of  God. 

Q.  Where  did  God  place  man  ? 

A.  In  the  garden  of  Eden. 

Q.  Was  man  happy  in  Eden  ? 

A.  Yes ;  he  had  no  pain  or  sorrow. 

Q,  What  was  his  character  ? 

A.  Holy,  happy,  and  good. 


SECTION   III. 

Q.  Did  man  continue  holy  and  happy? 

A.  No ;  he  fell  into  sin. 

Q.  What  is  sin  ? 

A.  Doing  what  God  has  forbidden. 

Q.  When  God  told  Adam  not  to  eat  of  the  fruit  of 
the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  did  he  obey 
God? 

A.   No ;  he  ate  of  the  fruit. 

Q.  How  came  he  to  eat  of  it  ? 

A.  The  devil  tempted  the  woman,  and  she  did  eat. 


A   MANUAL   FOR   INFANT    SCHOOLS.  0 

Q.  What  did  slie  then  do  ? 

A.  She  gave  to  her  husband,  and  he  did  eat. 

Q.  What  did  God  do  to  them  ? 

A.  He  turned  them  out  of  Eden. 

Q.  AVhat  did  they  suffer  ? 

A.  They  lost  their  happy  state. 

Q.  What  else  befell  them  ? 

A.  They  became  subject  to  pain  and  death. 

Q.  Did  their  sin  injure  their  children  ? 

A.  Yes ;  it  caused  all  to  be  born  with  an  evil  nature. 


SECTION   IV. 

Q.  Does  God  now  love  man  ? 
A.  Yes ',  he  loves  all  his  creatures. 
Q.  How  does  he  show  us  his  love  ? 
A.  By  giving  us  a  Saviour. 
Q.  Who  is  our  Saviour  ? 
A.  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of  God. 
Q.  Is  Christ  God  ? 
A.  Yes ;  he  is  very  God. 
Q.   What  has  Christ  done  for  us  ? 
A.  He  became  man,  suffered,  and  died  for  us. 
Q.  Why  did  he  do  this  ? 
A.  To  redeem  us  from  sin. 
Q.  Is  Christ  now  dead  ? 
A.  No ;  he  arose  from  the  grave. 
Q.  How  long  was  he  in  the  grave  ? 
A.  Three  days. 

Q.  Did  any  one  see  him  after  he  arose  ? 
A.  Yes  ;  he  was  seen  by  many. 
Q.  How  long  did  he  stay  on  earth  after  his  resurrec- 
tion ? 

A.  About  forty  days. 

Q.  Whither  did  he  then  go  ? 

A.  He  ascended  into  heaven. 


b-  A    MANUAL   FOR   INFANT    SCHOOLS. 

SECTION   V. 

Q.  To  what  place  will  sinners  go,  if  they  do  not  re- 
pent ? 

A.  To  hell. 

Q.  What  kind  of  place  is  hell  ? 

A.  A  place  of  endless  torment. 

Q.  How  can  you  be  saved  from  hell  ? 

A.  By  being  saved  from  my  sins. 

Q.  Have  you  ever  sinned  ? 

A.  Yes ;  all  have  sinned. 

Q.  Who  can  save  you  ? 

A.  None  but  Christ. 

Q.  Will  he  save  you  ? 

A.  He  will,  if  I  repent  and  believe  on  him. 

Q.  Will  he  not  save  all  ? 

A.  No ;  only  those  who  repent  and  believe. 

Q.  What  is  it  to  repent  ? 

A.  To  be  sorry  for  my  sins  and  forsake  them. 

Q.  What  is  it  to  believe  in  Christ  ? 

A.  To  receive  him  into  my  heart  as  the  only  Saviour. 

Q.  Can  you  do  this  of  yourself  ? 

A.  Not  without  the  help  of  Christ. 


SECTION  yi. 

Q.  Whither  will  believers  go  after  death  ? 

A.  To  heaven. 

Q.  What  kind  of  place  is  heaven  ? 

A.   A  holy  and  happy  place. 

Q.  Where  is  Christ  now  ? 

A.  In  heaven,  interceding  for  us. 

Q.  Will  Christ  come  again  out  of  heaven  ? 

A.  Yes  ;  at  the  last  day. 

Q.  For  what  will  he  come  ? 

A.  To  judge  all  men. 


A   MANUAL   FOR   IxNFANT    SCHOOLS.  J 

Q.  How  will  lie  come  ? 

A.  In  glory,  with  all  the  holy  angels. 

Q.  What  will  take  place  then  ? 

A.  The  dead  shall  all  be  raised. 

Q.  What  will  become  of  those  who  shall  be  alive  .'' 

A.  They  shall  be  changed  in  a  moment. 

Q.  Will  they  be  glorified  like  Christ  ? 

A.  They  will. 

Q.  What  will  become  of  the  earth  ? 

A.  It  will  be  burned  up. 

Q.  Who  will  be  present  at  the  judgment? 

A.  All :  both  the  ricjhteous  and  the  wicked. 

q'  What  will  be  the' welcome  of  the  righteous?^ 

A  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  king- 
dom prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 

Q    What  will  be  the  sentence  of  the  wicked  r 

A.  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  hre, 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels. 


SECTION   VII. 

Q.  Who  will  live  with  Christ  in  heaven  ? 

A.  Those  who  are  holy  in  heart  and  life. 

Q.  How  will  they  be  employed  ? 

A.  In  praising  and  serving  God. 

Q.   Who  will  be  their  companions  ; 

A.  The  holy  angels. 

Q.  What  is  it  to  be  holy  in  heart  ? 

A.  To  be  cleansed  from  all  inward  sin. 

Q.  What  is  it  to  be  holy  in  life  ? 

A.  To  do  my  duty  to  God  and  man. 

Q.  How  can  you  do  this  ? 

A.  By  the  grace  of  God. 

Q.  Who  works  this  grace  in  us  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Spirit. 


A   MANUAL   FOR   INFANT    SCHOOLS. 

Q.  Where  can  you  learn  your  duty  ? 

A.  In  God's  lioly  word. 

Q.  What  is  your  duty  to  God  ? 

A.  To  love  him  with  my  whole  heart. 

Q.  What  will  this  lead  you  to  do  ? 

A.  To  honor  and  worship  him. 

Q.  AVhat  is  your  duty  to  man  ? 

A.  To  do  as  I  would  be  done  by. 

Q.  What  is  your  duty  to  your  parents  ? 

A.  To  love,  honor,  and  obey  them. 


SECTION  yiii. 

Q.  How  many  commandments  are  there  ? 

A.  Ten. 

Q.  Upon  what  did  God  write  them  ? 

A.  Upon  two  tables  of  stone. 

Q.  AVhat  does  the  first  table  contain  ? 

A.  Our  duty  to  God. 

Q.  What  does  the  second  table  contain  ? 

A.  Our  duty  to  man. 

Q.  What  is  the  first  commandment  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

Q.  What  is  the  second  commandment  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image, 
or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above, 
or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water 
under  the  earth  :  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to 
them,  nor  serve  them ;  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a 
jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon 
the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation  of 
them  that  hate  me ;  and  showing  mercy  unto  thou- 
sands of  them  that  love  me  and  keep  my  command- 
ments. 

Q.  What  is  the  third  commandment  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy 


A   MANUAL   FOR  INFANT   SCHOOLS.  9 

God  in  vain  ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless 
that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

Q.  What  is  the  fourth  commandment  ? 

A.  Remember  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy.  Sis 
days  shalt  thou  labor  and  do  all  thy  work ;  but  the 
seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  :  in 
it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor 
thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid -ser- 
vant, nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy 
gates ;  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the 
seventh  day  ;  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath 
day,  and  hallowed  it. 

Q.  What  is  the  fifth  commandment  ? 

A.  Plonor  thy  father  and  thy  mother;  that  thy  days 
may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee. 

Q.  What  is  the  sixth  commandment? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

Q.  What  is  the  seventh  commandment? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

Q.  What  is  the  eighth  commandment  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

Q.  What  is  the  ninth  commandment? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy 
neighbor. 

Q.  What  is  the  tenth  commandment  ? 

A.  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house,  thou 
shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  man-ser- 
vant, nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor 
any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbor's. 

Q.  How  has  Christ  taught  us  to  pray  ? 

A.  Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name :  thy  kingdom  come  :  thy  will  be  done  on  earth, 
as  it  is  in  heaven  :  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread ; 
and  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  that 
trespass  against  us ;  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation, 


10  A   MANUAL   FOR   INFANT   SCHOOLS. 

but  deliver  us  from  evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Q.  What  is  your  belief? 

A.  I  believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker 
of  heaven  and  earth ;  and  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  Son 
our  Lord ;  who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born 
of  the  Virgin  Mary ;  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was 
crucified,  dead,  and  buried ;  the  third  day  he  rose 
again  from  the  dead ;  he  ascended  into  heaven,  and 
sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty; 
from  thence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the 
dead ;  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  the  holy  Catholic 
Church,  the  communion  of  saints ;  the  forgiveness  of 
sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the  body ;  and  the  life  ever- 
lasting.    Amen. 


SECTION   IX. 

SCRIPTURE     CHARACTERS. 

Q.  Who  was  the  first  man  ? 

A.  Adam. 

Q.  Who  was  the  first  woman  ? 

A.  Eve. 

Q.  Who  was  the  first  murderer  ? 

A.  Cain. 

Q.  Who  was  the  first  martyr? 

A.  Abel. 

Q.  Who  was  the  first  translated  ? 

A.  Enoch. 

Q.  Who  was  the  oldest  man  ? 

A.  Methuselah. 

Q.  Who  built  the  ark  ? 

A.  Noah. 

Q.  Who  was  the  most  faithful  man  ? 

A.  Abraham. 


A   MANUAL  rOR   INFANT   SCHOOLS.  11 

Q.  Who  was  the  meekest  man  ? 

A.  Moses. 

Q.  Who  was  the  most  patient  man  ? 

A.  Job. 

Q,  Who  wrestled  with  the  angel  of  God  ? 

A.  Jacob. 

Q.  Who  led  Israel  into  Canaan  ? 

A.  Joshua. 

Q.  Who  was  the  strongest  man  ? 

A.  Samson. 

Q.  Who  killed  Goliath  ? 

A.  David. 

Q.  Who  was  the  wisest  man  ? 

A.  Solomon. 

Q.  Who  was  in  the  whale's  belly  ? 

A.  Jonah. 

Q.  Who  was  cast  into  the  lions'  den  ? 

A.  Daniel. 

Q.  Who  saves  lost  men  ? 

A.  Jesus  Christ. 

Q.  Who  is  Jesus  Christ  ? 

A.  The  Son  of  God. 

Q.  Who  was  the  mother  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Mary. 

Q.  Who  was  the  beloved  disciple  ? 

A.  John. 

Q.  Who  betrayed  his  Master  ? 

A.  Judas. 

Q.  Who  denied  his  Master? 

A.  Peter. 

Q.  Who  were  struck  dead  for  lying  ? 

A.  Ananias  and  Sapphira. 

Q.  Who  was  the  first  Christian  martyr  ? 

A.  Stephen. 

Q.  Who  was  the  chief  apostle  of  the  Gentiles  ? 

A.  Paul. 


12  A   MANUAL   FOR  INFANT   SCHOOLS. 


HYMNS. 


RISING. 

And  now  I  raise  me  np  from  sleep, 
I  thank  the  Lord,  who  did  me  keep 
All  through  the  night ;  and  him  I  pray- 
That  he  may  keep  me  through  the  day. 


MORNINa  HYMN. 

The  morning  bright, 

With  rosy  light, 
Has  waked  me  up  from  sleep: 

Father,  I  own 

Thy  love  alone 
Thy  little  one  doth  keep. 

All  through  the  day, 

I  humbly  pray, 
Be  thou  my  guard  and  guide  : 

My  sins  forgive, 

And  let  me  live. 
Blest  Jesus,  near  thy  side. 

0  make  thy  rest 

Within  my  breast, 
Orreat  Spirit  of  all  grace : 

Make  me  like  thee. 

Then  shall  I  be 
Prepared  to  see  thy  face, 

LYING  DOWN. 

And  now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep, 
I  pray  the  Lord  my  soul  to  keep ; 
And  if  I  die  before  I  wake, 
I  pray  the  Lord  ray  soul  to  take. 


A   MANUAL   FOR   INFANT   SCHOOLS.  13 


EVENING  HYMN. 

The  daylight  fades, 

The  evening  shades 
Are  gathering  round  my  head : 

Father  above, 

I  praise  that  love 
Which  smooths  and  guards  my  bed. 

While  thou  art  near, 

I  need  not  fear 
The  gloom  of  midnight  hour: 

Blest  Jesus,  still 

From  every  ill 
Defend  me  with  thy  poAver. 

Pardon  my  sin, 

And  enter  in 
And  sanctify  my  heart ; 

Spirit  Divine, 

0  make  me  thine, 
And  ne'er  from  me  depart. 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

Our  Father  in  heaven, 

We  hallow  thy  name; 
May  thy  kingdom  holy 

On  earth  be  the  same. 
0  give  to  us  daily 

Our  portion  of  bread; 
It  is  from  thy  bounty 

That  all  must  be  fed. 

Forgive  our  transgressions, 

And  teach  us  to  know 
That  tender  compassion 

That  pardons  each  foe  ; 
Keep  us  from  temptation. 

From  weakness  and  sin ; 
And  thine  be  the  glory 

For  ever.     Amen. 


14  A   MANUAL  FOR  INFANT   SCHOOLS. 


BEAUTIFUL  ZION. 

Beautiful  Zion,  built  above, 
Beautiful  city,  that  I  love, 
Beautiful  gates,  of  pearly  wliite. 
Beautiful  temple — God  its  light ! — 
He  who  was  slain  on  Calvary 
Opens  those  pearly  gates  to  me. 

Beautiful  heaven,  where  all  is  light, 
Beautiful  angels,  clothed  in  white, 
Beautiful  strains,  that  never  tire, 
Beautiful  harps  through  all  the  choir ! 
There  shall  I  join  the  chorus  sweet, 
Worshipping  at  the  Saviour's  feet. 

Beautiful  crowns  on  every  brow, 
Beautiful  palms  the  conquerors  show, 
Beautiful  robes  the  ransomed  wear, 
Beautiful  all  who  enter  there  ! 
Thither  I  press  with  eager  feet ; 
There  shall  my  rest  be  long  and  sweet. 

Beautiful  throne  for  Christ  our  King, 
Beautiful  songs  the  angels  sing, 
Beautiful  rest,  all  wanderings  cease, 
Beautiful  home  of  perfect  peace ! 
There  shall  my  eyes  the  Saviour  see ; 
Haste  to  this  heavenly  home  with  me. 


I  WANT  TO  BE  AN  ANGEL. 

I  WANT  to  be  an  angel. 

And  with  the  angels  stand, 
A  crown  upon  my  forehead, 

A  harp  within  my  hand: 
There  right  before  my  Saviour, 

So  glorious  and  so  bright, 
I'd  wake  the  sweetest  music. 

And  praise  him  day  and  night. 


A  MANUAL  FOR  INFANT    SCHOOLS.  15 

I  never  -would  be  ■weary, 

Nor  ever  shed  a  tear, 
Nor  ever  know  a  sorrow, 

Nor  ever  feel  a  fear  ; 
But,  blcssfed,  pure,  and  holy, 

I'd  dwell  in  Jesus'  sight, 
And  with  ten  thousand  thousands 

Praise  him  both  day  and  night. 

I  know  I'm  weak  and  sinful, 

But  Jesus  will  forgive ; 
For  many  little  children 

Have  gone  to  heaven  to  live. 
Dear  Saviour,  when  I  languish, 

And  lay  me  down  to  die, 
0  send  a  shining  angel 

To  bear  me  to  the  sky. 

0  there  I'll  be  an  angel. 

And  with  the  angels  stand, 
A  crown  upon  my  forehead, 

A  harp  within  my  hand  ; 
And  there  before  my  Saviour, 

So  glorious  and  so  bright, 
I'll  join  the  heavenly  music. 

And  praise  him  day  and  night. 


GOD  IS  GOOD. 

Morn  amid  the  mountains, 

Lovely  solitude, 
Gushing  streams  and  fountains, 

Murmur,  God  is  good. 

Now  the  glad  sun,  breaking. 

Pours  a  golden  flood ; 
Deepest  vales,  awaking, 

Echo,  God  is  good. 

Hymns  of  praise  are  ringing 
Through  the  leafy  wood ; 

Songsters,  sweetly  singing. 
Warble,  God  is  good. 


16  A  MANUAL   FOR  INFANT   SCHOOLS. 

Wake,  and  join  the  chorus, 
Man,  -with  soul  endued  : 

He  whose  smile  is  o'er  us, 
God,  our  God,  is  good. 


HOLY  ANGELS. 

Holy  angels  in  their  flight 

Traverse  over  earth  and  sky. 
Acts  of  kindness  their  delight, 

Winged  with  mercy  as  they  fly. 
Do  n't  you  hear  them  coming  over  hill  and  plain, 
Scattering  music  in  their  lieavenly  train  ? 
0 !  do  n't  you  hear  the  angels  coming,  singing  as 

they  come  ? 
0  bear  me  angels,  angels,  bear  me  home ! 

Though  their  forms  we  cannot  see, 

They  attend  and  guard  our  way, 
Till  we  join  their  company, 

In  the  fields  of  heavenly  day. 
Don't  you  hear,  etc. 

Had  we  but  an  angel's  wing, 
A.nd  an  angel's  heart  of  flame, 

0  how  sweetly  would  we  ring 
Through  the  world  the  Saviour's  name! 

Do  n't  you  hear,  etc. 

Yet,  methinks,  if  I  should  die. 
And  become  an  angel  too, 

1  perhaps  like  them  might  fly, 

And  the  Saviour's  bidding  do. 
Don't  you  hear,  etc. 


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